"Why can't we see him?" Goo complains, panicked and stricken in grief as he asks the question for the 10th time that night, morning? Gun isn't sure.
"Because he's in critical condition and he needs rest. He's received a lot of trauma to his body, specifically his head and his chest. We've stitched up the gashes but we need to keep him in there for observation and unfortunately, you won't be able to enter" Daniel explains patiently.
They had to take James to a hospital, he had simply lost too much blood and needed a blood transfusion. Whilst the CC was a convenient place with good resources they did not have a blood bank. So they had to head to SNMC in a frantic motion. Whilst Gitae didn't stab any of James's vital organs and points he still managed to do extensive damage, this wasn't even considering the blunt trauma to the Founder's head.
"But—" "Goo, that's enough. Doctor Park can't let us in, so just leave it," Gun tells the blonde, who bites his tongue to hold back the words he wants to say. Nodding, Goo turns around and heads for the hospital seats.
Left to themselves, Daniel and Gun turn to look at each other.
"We need to stop ending up in the hospital" Daniel sighs and Gun nods.
"Hard to do that in our line of professions" Gun remarks, it was supposed to be a joke of sorts but it fails miserably.
The entirety of the fight between Gitae and James still weighs far too heavily on both of their minds for either of them to find any amusement in this situation. Speaking of Gitae, Gun had no idea where the bastard had run off to, simply having upped and left without a trace by the end of the fight. Goo had been beside himself since then, cursing Gitae, James and most of all cursing himself for having started this situation.
A fight with Jichang or Taesoo for James would have taken less effort. The blonde was blaming himself, he was pissed and he was upset.
"Every tournament, something has to happen, doesn't it?" Daniel hums and Gun nods. "And every time nothing ever changes" He adds and at this, Gun can't help but feel sheepish.
The CC prided itself on its brutality. It's why people were so entertained, it's why people keep coming back. But after all the repercussions for their lack of actions and encouragement of violence, how many more injuries was it going to take before someone finally dies? Before people realise, this isn't how a society is supposed to run for violence and crime rates to clear up, he's not sure.
"We should talk" Gun states but Daniel shakes his head.
"I need to get back to my patients and you need to be a good friend right now. Goo is beside himself, he's not like you, and he can't bottle up his emotions or manage them on his own. He needs you" Daniel denies and Gun pauses.
Right. Now was not the time to be selfish.
"We'll speak later" Gun states instead and Daniel nods.
There's a longing look in the Doctors eyes but eventually, he turns around and leaves. Watching him walk away, Gun turns to see Goo sitting alone in the waiting area. The blonde who was usually so full of life, so hyper and would be bouncing off the walls was subdued. It was worse than his reaction to Daniel's injury, this was James after all, their closest friend of several years. Walking over, Gun takes a seat next to the blonde.
"How are you holding up?" Gun asks. It was a stupid question, even though he was feeling just as shitty and unsure of himself. It wasn't every day that an entire world gets to witness James Lee get bested in a fight, to watch the same guy who defied rules and reality to win get hurt so badly. A man who every chance he got proclaimed that he was the strongest almost got taken out.
Sure, James had technically won in the end but in reality, everyone knew who the real winner would have been.
"It's all my fault" Goo spills, guilt chewing at him from the inside out. "I thought that I was such a genius with my solution and plan that I hadn't even stopped to consider what I would do if things went wrong. I should have fucking known since it's fucking Gitae but I…I'm an idiot and now because of my idiocy James is hurt and humiliated" He gasps out, choking out each word as he draws closer and closer to tears.
"Gitae's the one in the wrong here, you meant well" Gun reasons and he knows it's true.
Goo would never intentionally hurt James or him in such a way. They tease, make jabs and occasionally argue and fight but never would they organise to hurt one another like this. He knows that Goo is sincere, he knows his best friend would never mean to do any of this.
"I was only trying to help" Goo admits in a desperate breath. "And now because of my stupidity, James could…he could die" and that single admittance is all it takes for Goo to crumble.
Shoulders shaking, helplessness shrowding him, Gun can do no more than pull the blonde onto his shoulder. He allows his friend to grasp onto his shirt and tuck his face into the crook of his neck as he sobs.
"No, he won't, don't say that" Gun bites out but it lacks its usual ferocity. "James Lee won't die, that guy is too stubborn to be taken out like that" He tells his friend.
"But Daniel says that he hasn't woken up, what if he's stuck in a coma or worse, pronounced brain dead" The worst-case scenarios are falling out of Goo's lips. It was almost baffling to hear this sort of pessimism from someone who was always an optimist.
Nevertheless, Gun venomously denies the words.
"As if, he probably hasn't woken up because he wants to give us a scare, you know how he is. Or better yet, he's probably taking this time to rest up, God knows how hard James is always working" It's his best go at trying to cheer Goo up, he doesn't usually take on this role but in this moment, he's all that Goo's got left.
Sniffling softly, Goo agrees.
"You're probably right" Goo mumbles.
"I'm always right"
.
.
.
The next few days at the CC are as sombre and depressing as you could get. People online were in a frenzy, speculating the what-ifs and debating on whether or not Gitae was stronger than James. Despite it all, the only one who could currently maintain damage control was Gun.
Goo had taken to either staying at the hospital to wait for James to wake up or body-guarding Crystal for short periods here and there which left the entirety of the CC to fall onto his shoulders. It was hard, keeping the public's opinions at bay, reassuring the people and answering every question he could without outright snapping or shutting them down.
Few people had come by to express their sympathies, a few of the Kings for example had certainly done so. Jichang with his bandaged arm had come by to ask for James' hospital address and room which Gun had given without much thought.
If the officer and the other Kings wanted to kill James whilst he was vulnerable they wouldn't have looked so…defeated. Perhaps when the opportunity finally came where someone could finally beat and almost kill James they realised that in reality, they didn't want it. The King's viewed James as the key to their defeat, that he was the man who humiliated and put them in their place. Gun and Goo had always viewed it as James directly changing the courses of each of their lives for the better. What would have happened if James never got involved and allowed each of the Kings to continue their acts of violence and delinquency? They may have never found the right career paths and become even worse criminals. Maybe the Kings were finally understanding the benefit of James and the other Founder's actions.
Overall, Gun didn't care much for James' weird relationship with the Kings, not when he's being pulled at by the seams.
Paperwork after paperwork had risen. Mountains of things that usually were split between three people were now on Gun's desk. Then there were repairs to the arena, staff complaints and concerns, restocking items, the opinions of other fighters and it was all getting a bit too much.
It's not until Wednesday when Gun emerges from his office, weary and tired, ready to hit the mess hall for a quick meal before heading back to work when he's greeted by another headache.
"I'm not in the mood, uncle" He states as he passes by the three men who were waiting for him.
Shintaro sniffs, peeved by the reaction but not particularly angry.
"I know you like to go on and on about me going back to Japan and the CC not needing me but I beg to differ. I'd say right now the CC need me more than ever and that without me it would fall apart, so I have no patience right now to play your games and talk with you. Not now" Gun speaks and Shintaro nods.
"Come with me, I'll take you out for food. You need it" His uncle orders as he turns and walks away. The Kojima brothers stare at Shintaro and then at Gun expectantly.
Without any energy to fight back, Gun concedes.
They end up in a restaurant. Japanese and more traditional than luxurious. They end up in a private room and Gun finds himself devouring a much-needed meal. Shintaro sips tea and watches carefully.
"I concede that this organisation you've built is a tough job that may require more than one person to run" Shintaro suddenly mentions and Gun pauses.
Looking up, Gun raises a brow.
"I also acknowledge that it's more impressive than I thought it was going to be. Those fighters who participate, they are impressive" And that was high praise coming out of someone like Shintaro, a man so tightlipped with his compliments.
"That they are" Gun nods in agreement. "Some of the regulars we have are a lot more impressive" He praises, although if any of the crew leaders ever ask if he's ever given them compliments he'll deny it to high heaven. "You don't need to initiate this idle chatter, I know the reason you're luring me in with this food is because you want me to reconsider my decision to return to Japan" He sighs as he continues to eat.
Shintaro's silent. He watches but he doesn't eat anything.
"I've already told you numerous times and despite everything that has been happening recently and after I almost reconsidered it…my answer remains the same. I'm staying here in Korea and there's nothing you can say or do to change it" and it's honest.
"Yuzuru-" "No" Gun cuts the man off much to his offence. "My name is Jong Gun Park, you should address me as such. Yuzuru as far as I'm concerned never existed even when I was in Japan. It's always been Gun" And it was true.
Even when he was given the name Yuzuru it never fit him.
Letting out a sigh, Shintaro concedes.
"Gun, there is simply no valid reason for you to stay in this country. The clan needs you far more, you were born to be the heir" Shintaro remarks but Gun shakes his head.
"The clan doesn't need me, we both know that my father has more sons than he can remember but I'm just the one with these eyes. Moreover, I don't think I can believe your last statement. When I was born and throughout my life, I've always known that I could never be great enough to be the heir. I used to tell you that I didn't want it, but now I know it's not because I didn't want to be a clan leader but because I'm not suited for it. My purpose in life isn't to lead the Yamazaki clan, it's to stay here in Korea" He tells the man.
Disdain crossed Shintaro's face, the Kojima brothers looked doubtful of his words but he didn't care.
"Gun…you can't stay here in Korea just because you think you have a purpose, because you like a boy-" "I'm not staying here because I think, I know so" Gun cuts the man off once more.
"My achievements here in Korea have been beyond what has been expected of me in Japan. Moreover, I'm not staying here just for a boy, he's one of the reasons yes but…these past few weeks I've come to realise that the reason I'm here is because I want to live my life here. I want to stay here for my job, for the family and friends I've built, for the fighters who see me as a mountain to defeat, for the people who are grateful for my actions, for what my future could be. Those are my reasons for staying here" Gun confesses, sureer than he's ever felt as he tells his uncle his stance. "And for your information, I don't 'like' Daniel, I love him" and that confession alone rings truer than any other words that Gun has ever spoken.
Shintaro on the other hand could only shake his head in disbelief.
"Gun, no-Yuzuru, you cannot stay here! You are being selfish! The rules of our clan dictate that you are the heir so you must come home-" "That's enough, Shintaro"
The door of the room slides open and all four occupants sit up straighter at the entrance of the new figure. Gun's eyes widen in shock, the very sight of the behemoth of a man causes him to go silent. It had been so long since he had seen his father.
Shingen had aged, it was clear to see through the fine lines that were engraved onto his face but that didn't diminish his intimidation. Large, with long black hair and the very same eyes that have cursed Gun in this position in the first place. The clan head walks in and takes a seat next to Shintaro as if it were a regular thing to do.
"S-Shingen? What the hell are you doing here? You shouldn't be here!" Shintaro hisses, shocked and furious by his brother's appearance.
"I came because I was worried for both you and my son. It has been too much time since you left" Shingen replies as he nods at the shocked Kojima brothers who bowed at his entrance.
"How did you even manage to come here to Korea, alone at that? Also, how did you find me" Shintaro grumbles, scooting further away from his brother.
"I snuck out, I am the head of the clan after all. What I do is of no concern to other people in the family. As for how I found you…well, I have my ways" Shingen responds before turning to Gun.
Their faces mirror each other, it was as if Gun was staring at an older version of himself yet no matter what he can't find it in himself to feel awe. If anything he feels more weight dip onto his shoulders.
"What brings you hear, father" He spits out the last word, making his distaste for the man known. There was the hate and anger that Gun was feeling but there were also the questions, 'Why did it take you so long to acknowledge me?' and 'Did you ever care about me?' all of which was far too emotional for a Yamazaki to express and ask.
"In truth, you" Shingen admits, his voice and face not acknowledging his son's hate for him. "The clan has been hassling me about you for years now, ever since you left. The elders, the subsidiary groups, your mother, my brother, all of them have insisted that I bring you home and that your temper tantrum of running to Korea should be squashed" He informs and Gun scoffs.
"It isn't a temper tantrum, it's a statement. Furthermore, as if I care what the rest of the clan thinks, they can choose someone else to succeed in this god-awful position" Gun replies and Shingen pauses, his eyes tracking every single word and movement from the boy in front of him. He nods.
"Yes, the burden of clan leader can be…wearisome. I remember a time when I despised wanting this…but I grew to accept it since it was a role I couldn't refuse. It wasn't until after Gapryong Kim defeated me that my doubts returned" Shingen sighs and Shintaro gapes.
"Brother! You shouldn't be admitting these things" Shintaro hisses but there was less anger in his eyes and more of a solid understanding. He had been there during the time, he had witnessed his brother's lack of motivation to exist in the world after being defeated. No amount of money, power or women could bring back any form of happiness, it had pained Shintaro to not be able to do anything to help.
"But it is the truth, brother. I only want to speak about the truths, today" Shingen easily replies to his brother, calming his irritation with a few simple words in a soft tone.
Gun has never really seen the two interact, there have been brief moments but it had always been strictly professional. Now, in this private room, away from the prying eyes of others, they acted more like family than Gun had ever known the men to be capable of. Where was all this soft gentleness when he was growing up?! That pissed Gun off even more.
"You didn't want to be the leader?" Gun cuts in, biting back the snark he was feeling to try and maintain this civility. It would do him no good to fight.
"No, I never thought I was suited for it, especially in the presence of Shintaro. He was always the better one at these sorts of things, better in school, better at following orders and the rules, and better at managing the family… With all regards I completely believe Shintaro would have been a better leader, I certainly wouldn't have gotten this far if I didn't have him by my side" Shingen praised easily and despite the comforting words Shintaro looked appalled.
"Don't try to say things like that, if it were anyone else I'd have them killed" Shintaro hisses only for Shingen to sigh and click his tongue in annoyance, moving slightly he shoves his brother in the side.
"Can you stop being so uptight for one moment and just accept what I've just said? Everyone knows it's the truth and I hold no jealousy or hate towards this" Shingen manages to cast his brother with an irritated look before turning back to Gun. "Nonetheless, what I am trying to say is that I had my doubts at the start of my term as leader and I continued to have doubts. I grew to feel contentment with this role, some aspects made these struggles worth it, those reasons being the fact that I can lead and protect this family, work with everyone as well and meet people like your mother. You were also a motivating factor for me even though I was rarely in your life" Shingen admits and Gun can't tell if his father added the last bit out of obligation or pity.
"Where is this going?" Gun breathes out, aggravated but still managing to keep calm.
"What I'm trying to say is that if you were to take on this role you too might be able to find contentment, maybe even a newfound happiness too. It would just take time" Shingen reasons.
Gun was sure the man was telling the truth. If Gun were to leave and return to Japan and take on his role as clan leader he was sure that although he would be reluctant and grumpy at first he could take to the position. He'd slowly forget about this time in Korea, everyone he knew here would become a distant memory, almost like a dream and he'd have something else to settle for. He could be happy, making his mother proud, and allow the rest of teh clan to breathe a sigh of relief. He'd get married, have children and give them the life his father couldn't give him. Then what? His eldest would be the next clan leader and if that child didn't want to do this…would he have to perform the same cycle?
He didn't want to do that. Ever.
Slowly he shakes his head.
"You might be right but that still doesn't change my opinion. I don't want to be clan leader and if you drag me back against my will I will forever resent you all. I will single-handedly ensure that this clan will end with me" He promised and it was a threat.
Shintaro frowns, the Kojima brothers look unsure and as for his father, Shingen smiles.
The rarest and most subtle of smiles but it was there and it was genuine.
"This place, your job and your friends, they all mean a lot to you…don't they?" Shingen inquires and Gun hesitates before answering. Eventually, he settles on nodding, a firm expression on his face. "I already predicted before coming here that this would be your stance on the issue" He nods.
Shintaro goes to protest but Shingen cuts him off as he braces a hand on his brother's shoulder, effectively silencing him.
"Don't try to protest it, Shintaro. You were here in person, surely you were able to see the care and worry so plainly depicted on Gun's face when he watched his friend fight in the tournament. Expressions like those are hard to pull from a Yamazaki, for it to come out must mean that Gun cares a lot for Korea" Shingen concludes.
Shintaro's mouth falls shut. Soon he nods, reluctantly but in agreement nonetheless.
"Wait you saw that?" Gun blurts out, confused by the words before his eyes bulge. "Do you watch the live streams?" He questions and Shingen smiles sadly.
"The live streams are the only way I get to see you, I have been watching them since the start" That admittance shakes the very foundation of Gun's beliefs to its core. His father watched his streams, he actively did so not because of the fights themselves but because he wanted to see him…Gun felt slightly sick.
"It's settled then. Gun shall remain here in Korea for as long as he likes. He may return to Japan, to the clan, whenever he wants but otherwise, he will be abdicating from the role as heir. He is free to live his life how he wants to" Shingen's announcement gets a round of shocked shouts from all the occupants in the room.
"Shingen, you can't be serious! We have traditions and rules to follow! If we don't continue them then it could lead to our downfall!" Shintaro shouts, still in denial and disbelief over everything but Shingen shakes his head.
"Can't you see it, brother? If we make Gun the clan leader against his will, that will tear our clan apart even more. The only thing that can destroy the Yamazaki clan IS the Yamazaki clan. If we continue to abide by our decades of tradition without changing then we can never become progressive. It has to be this way" Shingen reasons and it's so eloquently put that it causes Shintaro to stumble over his words.
"B-But who will be clan leader then? All you other sons are not worthy of the role!" Shintaro shouts as Shingen hums in thought before smiling.
"Haruto is more than fit to take on the role"
Shintaro's eyes bulge.
"Haruto?" He whispers out as if he hasn't heard that name in years. It was no surprise to anyone with how estranged the two had become after the man had kicked his son out of the main house.
"Yes, I have kept track of his progress and education. He has grown into a reasonable and intelligent young man just like you. Furthermore, I hear word of his compassion and leadership skills in the lower houses. They all speak well of him and he has helped many"
Simply knowing that Haruto, his cousin, wasn't rotting in a room in isolation, dying from mistreatment or malnutrition, eased a pain in Gun's heart that he had no idea existed. Hell, the thought of Haruto being alive was the biggest shock. Moreso the apparent fact that his father knew just as well as everyone else did that Haruto would be the best for the role as leader.
Devastation. Pain. Guilt. All three emotions swim through Shintaro's face but nothing was more prevalent than the longing look that crossed into his eyes. Although he banished and sent Haruto away, there was no doubt in Gun's mind that his uncle loved his son. He had always been proud of Haruto even if he never admitted it, having sent his one last reminder of his late wife away had turned him into a bitter man.
"Is he…is he doing well?" Shintaro asks. His voice sounded smaller than it had ever been.
"You will be able to ask him when he returns to the main estate, you two need time time heal the rift that has been caused" Shingen informs warmly. "But otherwise, Gun is excused from being heir and Haruto will overtake the role instead. There will be no arguments on this, it is settled" Shingen finalises.
It's as if a breath of fresh air had been inflated into Gun's lungs. All of a sudden, he could breathe without feeling a single form of pressure there.
"Thank you, Father" Gun felt like a child again, in the presence of his father for the first time. He felt meek and unknowing of what to do but luckily all Shingen does is smile and nod in return.
The word father had lost its disdain, instead, it was paired with a genuine relief.
Shintaro looked just about the same as what Gun was feeling, the rigid lines on his face, the anger and negativity that had been radiating off him were gone. In its place was a worried ease as he thought about Haruto. Eventually, the elder sighs and nods.
"The rest of the clan are going to throw a hissy fit" Shintaro remarks with a groan.
"At the end of the day, we are the clan leader and vice, they will have to listen to us" Shingen says.
"Tch, after all the effort I put into trying to get Gun to come home you mean to tell me it was all for nothing?" Shintaro grumbles as Shingen reaches over to comfort his brother.
"Thank you for your efforts for the family" Shingen states.
"I have been here for weeks, Shingen! Literal weeks for suffering in Korea and being around Charles' irritating presence as he flirts with that Doctor who's oblivious to the whole thing! You know how annoying it is to see both Elite and Jinyoung after our whole rivalry with the fists?!" Shintaro complains and Shingen merely chuckles. "Moreover I even had to confront and try to convince Jinyoung's nephew into trying to convince Gun, of course, that looked like it failed but that boy was severely annoying" Shintaro admits and this catches Gun's attention.
"You did what?" He snaps out, turning to Shintaro and narrowing his gaze.
"Oh don't be like that. I had a civil conversation with him about your future and tried to get him to convince you. All I said was that you would be happier in Japan with a family, I even insisted that if he wanted to be a part of it then he could come along as your paramour but he didn't take that well. I did think I was able to somewhat convince him but I guess with how you've reacted he didn't end up doing all that much"
With this admission, understanding and clarity finally break through Gun's mind.
So that's why Daniel…
Daniel had never wanted Gun to leave. His uncle and his family were the cause of their problems.
Standing up from his seat he announces.
"I have to go. Something's come up" Gun calls as he grabs his coat.
"Gun?" Shingen questions and he merely shakes his head.
"We aren't done with this conversation, and if I stay, I might kill my uncle," Gun states, glaring at the man before heading to the door. The Kojima brothers step aside, and with that, he races back towards the CC.
.
.
.
The CC was usually always buzzing with some form of life during the day. Whether it was from fighters using the facilities or caretakers, cleaners, security guards and other staff members bustling around. Yet when night falls and everyone takes their leave, all that's left is Daniel and a handful of security guards that stick to the shadows.
Daniel had taken to sleeping at the CC again. Ever since Gun stopped being able to take him home, he figured it would just be easier to stay in his assigned room rather than take public transport every morning and night just to get to work. Although, right now Daniel wasn't sleeping. It wasn't too late as of yet, he had finished eating dinner in the mess hall and had headed straight back to his office to continue his work.
He was writing up a manual of sorts. Some guidelines, rules and pieces of advice about how the medical section of the CC operated, how to maintain the work area and other employees who were in this department. He had hoped that he would have enough time to refine the document, maybe type it up and turn it into an actual manual but with how little time he had and with how much content he wanted to put in, it wasn't possible. There were probably an endless amount of spelling and grammatical errors but Daniel couldn't do anything about that yet. He'll go back and fix them if he has time but for now he wanted everything on paper.
Sighing deeply, Daniel traces his finger against the paper that was engrained with his writing. Another section is finished, several more to go.
Daniel was unsure of who would be filling in his position at the CC, he was even more uncertain with how it was going to be filled. The Founders already had trouble filling that position before Daniel arrived and now with James out of commission, Goo a bundle of self-destructive nerves and Gun working overtime without a clue of what was going to happen, it was even more unlikely that anyone would be able to come in on time to be the medical practitioner of the CC. So Daniel was taking it into his own hands.
He already had an idea of who and he was willing to beg but he wouldn't leave them with nothing.
Leaning back in his seat, Daniel takes a moment to rest his hand and roll his wrist to loosen the tension. He observes the desk he sat at, his desk , what used to be filled with belongings of his was now cleared up for the most part. He had boxed most of his stuff and would move into his room soon. The thoughts of leaving the CC…it was slowly hitting him that this would be goodbye but he had yet to completely accept it.
Picking up his pen, Daniel moves to continue writing when the sound of distant pounding footsteps getting louder and louder meets his ears. Momentarily confused, Daniel grasps his papers and quickly opens a drawer, dropping them in and shoving them closed just as the door to the room opens to reveal an out-of-breath and haggard-looking Gun.
Stunned by the man's sudden appearance, Daniel could only stare back in confusion.
"Gun?" He calls out, voice hesitant as he tracks the way the man breathes in and out so heavily.
"Daniel" Gun replies before pushing himself off the door frame and marching in. He heads straight towards the younger, not pausing for a moment and just for a fraction of a second the Doctor almost flinches away. Instead, he holds still as Gun reaches for him, pulling him into a tight embrace as he tucks the smaller man into the crook of his neck, a palm placed on the back of his head. "Daniel" Gun whispers again but this time it is filled with raw emotions.
With how tight and desperately he was holding on, Daniel could only short-circuit and hug back. He had missed this, being able to touch and be in Gun's space.
Eventually, the elder pulls away, his eyes looking down at Daniel, searching, imploring and attempting to see.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Gun breathes out and yet again Daniel is stunned.
Tell him? About that? Did Gun find out that he was leaving? But who would have told him? His uncle or perhaps James had finally woken up and revealed the truth. Nevertheless, Daniel's heart begins to hammer loudly against the confines of his chest. Panicked and anxious, the Doctor could only shrug and look away.
"I'm sorry" Daniel replies, practically mumbling under his breath. He didn't want to see all of this, he didn't want to witness the man's look of betrayal or sadness.
"No, don't be" Gun replies as he reaches out and caresses Daniel's face. "It's not your fault…I should have known that this would happen" The Founder states firmly and at this, Daniel is met with confusion.
He should have known. How could he have known? His deal with his uncle was something between them…unless his uncle told him…
"How…how did you find out?" Daniel questions.
"My uncle finally admitted it" Gun sneers and at this, Daniel turns back to see the furious expression on his lover's face.
"Your uncle?" Daniel asks, even more confused than before.
Gun nods.
"Yeah, I went out with him tonight for dinner to settle the argument once and for all. A lot happened but…I won't be going back to Japan and I won't be taking over the Yamazaki clan. I have my father to thank for the finality of that decision but once that was settled Shintaro admitted that he had talked to you about convincing me. I don't know what was said in your conversation with him but I do know what type of person he is. Whatever he said, it was enough for it to clearly impact and hurt you enough for you to try and convince me to leave…I get it now" Gun explains and it clicks.
Oh.
Gun found out about the conversation, not about him leaving…
"I forgive you" Gun suddenly speaks again and Daniel blinks. "I should have known that you didn't mean to say those things maliciously, I should have known that the reason you were trying to push me away wasn't because you hated me but because of an outside person…I forgive you and I am so sorry for the way I treated you because of what happened. You didn't deserve that" Gun tells him, earnestly as always.
"I…I don't think I was ever mad at you for it. After all, I was the one who pushed you" Daniel confesses. "Upset over your reaction, yes, but you weren't at fault. I was trying to force you into something that you never wanted, I was no better than your uncle" he shrugs but Gun shakes his head.
"You only did that because he coerced you into thinking that it was the right choice with his deceptive words. My uncle can be manipulative and he's always tried to get his way…I can't fault you for falling into his trap" Gun responds gently, kindly even as he rubs circles with his thumb against Daniel's cheek.
It should have felt good. These apologies and the fact that Gun wouldn't be leaving. Instead, it feels like more weight on Daniel's shoulders. Tears collect in his eyes and he could do nothing to stop them from falling. Noticing this, Gun swipes them away as a concerned look draws across his face. The way his brows creased together, the dissatisfied look in his eyes and how his lips became upturned.
"Don't cry, Daniel" Gun begs softly as he leans down and presses a soft, quick kiss to the younger lips. "Ssh, don't cry. It'll be alright. We'll be alright" Gun promises but all Daniel could hear are lies.
This was supposed to be his happy solution. Gun stays in Korea, they sort out their issues and come back from this stronger than ever but…it wasn't how this story was going to go. Selfishly, Daniel holds back the truth. Telling Gun about his leave would only cause more suffering. Gun would only try to convince him to stay, he'd probably shout and scream then go to Jinyoung and do the same and what good would that do? Daniel needed to leave whether they liked it or not and he wasn't sure if he could bear it all if he had to witness Gun angry again.
So he holds the secret in his heart, instead, he reaches up and pulls Gun into another kiss before breaking away.
"Stay with me tonight, please" Daniel pleads and with no further words he was swept away.
They end up in his room at the CC, stumbling through the halls before entering through the door. They fumble with their clothes, wanting to touch and kiss one another but needing to rip off what they were wearing. Eventually, Daniel ends up on his bed, shirtless and breathless with Gun on top of him, kissing him senseless.
Lifting his hips he struggles to take his pants off, noticing this, Gun uses one singular move to slide the clothing off and soon he is left with a Doctor that is laid bare against the bed.
He missed this. Daniel missed how much emotion Gun could pull from him with just the faintest of touches and with every passing kiss and caress he could feel his mind break even further into lust.
Gun pulls away briefly just so he can unbelt his pants and shove the clothes off but it's all Daniel needs for his brain to catch up and for a moment of clarity to hit.
Was this going to be their last time?
Was this it?
Letting out a distressed whine, Gun is back within his space in mere moments.
"Daniel?" He voices out, questioning the sound.
"I need you to make me forget, I need you to make this pain stop" Daniel begs and Gun agrees without even so much as a question.
They were yet again locked in a heated kiss, Gun devouring and Daniel accepting. Their naked bodies pressed against each other, Daniel arching up into the elder as the other simply pulled him in closer. With hands wrapped around Gun's neck, Daniel lets him grasp and claw at the man's back, wanting more and more as he gasps and moans. Escaping from the kiss, Gun places his mouth against the junction of Daniel's neck, biting down hard as the younger screams at the sudden jolt of pain. The pain dissolves as Gun pulls away and suckles on the mark, he then moves away to roam against other parts of Daniel's body.
This continues for far longer than Daniel registers it to be, Gun teasing every inch of his body without remorse, sucking, biting, kissing and licking, his warm hands do nothing more than caress his sides, his hips and his thighs, never straying towards Daniel's aching member or pulsating hole. Instead, he takes in every bit of Daniel, he pays every section of his body with particular care before slowly moving on to the next and all the Doctor can do is take it all.
"Please, Gun, please" Daniel breathes out, his hips shifting upwards, begging for attention.
And just like the dutiful person he is, Gun obeys. He wraps a hand around Daniel's leaking member, thumbing the precum first before spreading it all across. The younger gasps at the sensations, stuttering in ecstasy at the feelings. It had been a while.
Steadily, Gun jerks him off, slow and sensual but nothing short of pleasurable. Daniel writhes and cries out with each motion, whispering out mindless words of 'faster' and 'more' as he shifts his hips in time with the man.
"So beautiful, so fucking beautiful" Gun breathes out, taking in the sight as if he was seeing it for the first time. He places a plethora of fluttering kisses against Daniel's collarbone as he continues to get the younger off.
"Gun…I'm gonna cum" Daniel hisses. He hadn't wanted to cum just yet but Gun had other plans.
"Then cum" Gun states and without further adieu, he does.
Translucent white paints Gun's hand and Daniel's stomach but neither seem to mind. It's a short while before Daniel stops orgasming and for Gun to stop milking him but once finished Daniel can only fall back onto the bed with a slump. The elder pulls away, moving off the bed to grab something. Daniel watches silently, observing how Gun cleans his hand not with tissues but with his mouth and tongue as he laps up all of the Doctor without so much as a fuss. He walks to the bedside drawer, opening it and pulling out a bottle before heading back to Daniel.
Daniel doesn't need to be asked, instead, he shifts his legs apart wordlessly, opening them and inviting Gun into his space. Smirking appreciatively, Gun settles between Daniel's legs, one reaching out to caress against the smooth skin of Daniel's toned thighs.
"Good boy" Gun hums as he pulls the hand away, and opens the bottle. He pours a generous amount of lube, coating his hand and then coating Daniel before he tosses the bottle away and gets to work.
Gun takes his time in preparing Daniel, working meticulously and carefully as he opens the younger up. Daniel's recovery time after cumming isn't exactly long but it isn't exactly short either, yet with much time Gun was taking it begins to edge Daniel against another impending orgasm. Gun had finally gotten three fingers in, the ring of muscle having relaxed enough for the intrusion but still, it didn't seem to be enough for the older man. A moan is punctured out of Daniel's mouth each time the fingers slide in and every 'squelch' he hears with the movement causes his limp cock to slowly fatten up and become erect again.
"Gun…please, I need you" Daniel calls out, debauched and lust-filled as he looks down at Gun's concentrating face.
"Not yet" This time, Gun doesn't obey. Instead, he delves deeper, hitting Daniel's prostate unforgivingly and causing the Doctor to cry out. His legs shake, kicking out slightly as he takes the pleasure.
"B-But I'm going to cum again!" Daniel responds.
"Good" Was all Gun could say as he suddenly sped up.
A string of more moans falls out of his mouth, he claws his hands against the bed sheets and tries his best to hold it in, to hold off from the orgasm but alas he is just a man. Within moments he finds himself crying out again as he cums, spurts of wetness land against his stomach and Gun hums in satisfaction.
Daniel is barely given a moment to pull himself together and calm down before Gun is lifting his legs over his wide shoulders, lining up his cock to Daniel's hole and shoving himself in. The both of them let out drawn-out groans, Gun out of relief as he finally sheathes himself and Daniel out of shock at being entered so suddenly with something so big.
"Feels so good" Gun huffs as he slowly rocks his hips into Daniel who whimpers with every movement. "Sorry Daniel, but I can't wait" is the last thing the elder says before he's thrusting in hard and fast.
Biting his lips, Daniel attempts to hold back every sound that attempts to escape him but to no avail, they slip out anyway. Wanton and out of his mind, he simply shuts his eyes and revels in the feelings of lust. Gun grunts occasionally, breathing hard as he simply shifts Daniel's legs and pistons into the younger. For one moment he turns his head to the side to suckle more hickeys against Daniel's leg, dissolving into his puddle of ecstasy as he enjoys the younger Doctor.
After several minutes, Gun lets go and pulls out which causes Daniel to release a sharp breath. The loss of pleasure and warmth was jarring but he didn't have time to adjust as he suddenly flipped over to lay on his chest, smearing cum all over the bedsheets underneath. He lets out another shout of pleasure as Gun mounts him from behind, pushing in and practically encompassing all of Daniel with his body.
With Gun now stimulating his ass and his cock being rubbed against his stomach and bed, all Daniel can do is let out incomprehensible sounds. With Gun's head so close to the back of his neck and ear he could also hear every pleasured noise that was escaping his mouth no matter how quiet it was. It felt good, too good as Gun was humping into his ass with everything he had.
Daniel doesn't process biting into the bed sheets to hold back his sounds, he doesn't register his legs kicking and scrapping against the bed underneath Gun as he tries to move off the bed so he doesn't cum too fast again. But it was all too much.
In this position, Gun could reach deeper into Daniel and it was pleasurable for both but…for some reason, Daniel doesn't like it. He can feel Gun but he can't see him and that doesn't do well with him.
"G-Gun…" He tries to moan out.
"That's it, baby, you take me so well" Gun huffs, his voice low and husky as he presses a kiss against Daniel's neck.
"W-wait…Gun-" "Feels so good"
Every attempt at trying to tell Gun is lost in their movements, lust and sounds. The more unheard his complaints go the more Daniel begins to struggle but of course, every movement he tries to make to turn around or lift himself is only met with Gun's demanding body and presence. He was trapped. He wanted to see Gun's face, needed to see it but he couldn't do it. He was too tired, his body was too exhausted and weak. He couldn't move.
Falling limp onto the bed, he clutches onto the bed sheets in fear.
It was too much.
Then suddenly, Gun stops and the weight is gone.
"Daniel?" Gun's breathless voice reaches him and the bed shifts. Gentle hands find their way to Daniel's sides and he's being lifted into a sitting position. For some reason, the sight of Gun's face has become blurry but even so, Daniel could make out the scared look on the man's face. "Are you alright? Why are you crying? Did I hurt you?" A plethora of questions spill from Gun's mouth.
Ah, so that's why he could barely see. He was crying again…figures.
"I'm sorry" Daniel breathes out, going to wipe his tears but Gun is quick to take up that role and wipe them for him. He cradles the younger man's head in his palms and wipes the tears.
"Don't be sorry, ssh" Gun hums out.
"I just…I don't like that position…I wanted to see you and I tried to tell you but I…" Daniel sniffles out and Gun's pained face seems to double.
"Shit, I'm sorry" Gun expresses as he moves to pull Daniel into his arms. "I'm sorry" He hums again as he rubs Daniel's back comfortingly.
They stay like that for a while, the tension-filled mood having been broken because of Daniel's inability to stay composed and constantly cry whenever he starts to panic. Daniel felt even worse than before.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable or scared" Gun mumbles softly, still comforting Daniel who huffs.
"I'm also sorry for ruining the mood and crying over something so miniscule" Daniel replies.
Yep, the mood was completely ruined and neither one of them felt any need to oblige in any more sexual activities for now. Yet rather than sulk or get angry, Daniel lifts his head to peer up at Gun who in turn looks down at him. Small smiles break out and Gun snorts which causes Daniel to sigh out a soft laugh.
"Look at us, we're both such fuck ups" Gun remarks, it sounds both bitter but also accepting and Daniel couldn't agree more.
"We always do manage to ruin good moments" Daniel sighs as he slumps back against Gun.
They lay there on the bed, side by side, pressed close and content in each other's presence. Daniel could shut his eyes now and slip off to sleep if he wanted to but of course, he does the opposite.
"Did you mean it? When you said that we're just this endless cycle of being happy but then ending up hurt?" Daniel inquires. It had been a question that had existed in his mind ever since Gun brought it up during their fight. It weighed heavily in his heart only because he knew that to an extent it was true.
"I said that because I was angry" Gun replies stiffly, the man had taken to tracing circles with his fingers on Daniel's hand, a calming tick of his. "But I guess with what's happened to us I guess there is some merit to it" The words of confirmation lay heavy and thick in the air.
When all the anger was gone, all that was left was the truth.
They are stuck in this vicious cycle.
"But regardless I don't think it holds any weight for the future and if it does…then it just means we need to break out of this cycle and change. The both of us" Gun adds suddenly and all Daniel can do is blink in confusion.
Break this cycle? Change?
"You think we could do that?" Daniel inquires softly and Gun snorts.
"Of course we can, we're both stubborn people and if there's an obstacle then we sure as hell can overcome it. Neither of us has backed down from a challenge yet and if that challenge is to grow and change people, I don't see why we can't do it. Especially if it's for each other" Gun explains and yes, he was right. They were in this cycle because they were allowing it, now that they knew and wanted to make this relationship work then there would be nothing that could stop them from overcoming this.
The only ones who could break out of the cycle were the people in it. It was up to them.
Yet all that hope of working hand in hand with Gun to fix them falls short once he's reminded that there wasn't going to be a 'them' in the coming days. Again, Daniel falls into despair.
"Since we're on the topic of asking questions, can I ask you something too?" Gun asks and Daniel hums out a faint 'sure' in response. "Why didn't you tell me about your conversation with my uncle? If you had told me about what he said to you I think this could have been avoided" The Founder admits and thinking about it in retrospect, it probably would have.
But Daniel sometimes made stupid decisions, especially when they were about Gun.
"I was going to" Daniel starts. "But you were so exhausted. You were dealing with work and the fact that your uncle was in Korea and I didn't want to trouble you…I did try on some occasions to tell you but you were just so busy and tired…I didn't want to trouble you…but then that left me to think about your uncle's words on my own and I just kind of concluded that you could have a happier life with someone else in Japan. Honestly, it was my mind coming up with these scenarios and delusions and it didn't help that every conversation I had with others at the time was about love and how it changed people" He explains.
"I don't get it, how do these conversations with others influence my uncle's conversation with you?" Gun continues to question and Daniel shrugs.
"Well I mean…he told me that you didn't love me…that there are plenty of guys out there that could replace me and I got stuck in that mentality that maybe I didn't mean much to you. Then I had a conversation with Eli, I asked him about when I should know to let a person go and he said that I should let go when I know they would be happier and in a better place. Then I had a conversation with Zack and the others and they were going on and on about how love changes people and makes them happier and then I met up with Big Deal and they were making these awful remarks about you. Long story short they were saying how you would probably be the type to dedicate your life to the person you love and change drastically and how there was no way you would be in love with anyone right now with how you act and it just…it all just got to me" Rambling away, Daniel misses the outraged face that appears on Gun's face.
Eventually, all Gun can do is release a deep breath and pinch the bridge of their nose.
"Love can be different for different people, you know?" Gun states and Daniel nods.
"I know that now, I shouldn't have been so fixated on their words and understanding when they had no clue about us…I should have just trusted us and you" Daniel breathes out remorsefully.
"Well if you thought I would give you up to go back to Japan without so much as a thought then the blame should be on me for not showing you how much I care about you" Gun retorts as he grasps Daniel's hand, squeezing tightly. "I haven't told you about how I fell for you, have I?" He asks as he sits up and turns to face Daniel's face.
"I guess not" Daniel hums out, a little confused as to where this is going.
"I didn't fall in love with you at first sight, actually I'm pretty sure I thought you were an irritating brat for the first several weeks after meeting you. You were interesting but your attitude didn't exactly align with mine" Gun admits and Daniel snorts.
"I felt the same…but how is this supposed to prove that you like me?" Daniel laughs as Gun smiles.
"I think it was good that we were both so different in certain aspects but so alike in others. Even though I found you annoying I also found that I kept getting drawn back to you. The more time we spent together the more I found myself understanding you. Working together, training together, handling all those stupid social issues around the CC…I found myself wanting to be around you all the time. I found myself wanting to see you at every single moment of the day until night until even in my dreams I wanted to see you" This admission, every single word shocks Daniel to his core but he continues to listen.
"I was in denial for the longest time, I kept telling myself that I didn't deserve you, that you wouldn't be happy with me and that it would hurt the both of us. It wasn't until that moment when I took you to see Seoul's nightlife and it was just us dancing…that was when I knew I was completely fucked" Gun confesses and Daniel remembers.
It felt so long ago, they had been happier then, at peace almost in that very moment.
"I knew that I wanted to be the person you rely on. The person you reached out to in the dark. I want to be the one that gets to receive your last smile, your last kiss, your last everything. I wanted to be the only one to have all of this until there was none left but…I also made the wrong decisions and fucked up back then as well" Gun sighs, he's exhausted but it doesn't dim the fondness in his eyes which was directed at Daniel.
"Before I met you, I never knew what it was like to be able to look at someone and smile for no reason" At these words, Daniel can only stare back wordlessly in shock.
A warmth that had been slowly spreading from his heart to the rest of his body now feels overwhelming.
Suddenly Gun's expression grows downhearted.
"I'm sorry I haven't been able to show that I love you in the way that you want, but this doesn't mean I love you any less. You have to believe me on that" He brings Daniel's hand up to his lips, pressing a chaste kiss on the back of it before peering back at Daniel with honest eyes.
Pulling himself forward, Daniel moves their hands out of the way as he presses a kiss against the man's lips.
"I believe you" Daniel whispers as he pushes Gun back towards the head of the bed.
"Daniel?" Gun huffs in confusion as he moves.
"I believe we have some unfinished business" Daniel reminds me as he swings a leg over Gun and straddles his waist.
"Daniel we don't have to continue-" "You can't possibly say all these things and not expect to rile me up" Daniel cuts the man off who looks back with wide eyes.
At this moment, Gun looked more his age than ever before. Young and vulnerable.
"I won't do anything if you don't want to, but It's a little unfair that you've made me cum twice and you didn't get to" Daniel points out gently, not willing to push if Gun didn't want to.
Gun shakes his head before smiling.
"If you're sure" He huffs.
"I'm sure, and in this position" He circles his hands around Gun's neck, happy with how they could sit face-to-face. "I get to see everything" Daniel hums happily as he leans forward to kiss Gun who accepts openly.
Guilt churns inside Daniel throughout the rest of the night.
It would hurt too much to tell Gun now.
.
.
.
"You want ME to be the one to take over your role?" Collin stares back with wide eyes, confusion and bewilderment plain to see in his eyes as he holds the thick folder in his hands.
"Yes, at least until my plan to have doctors do rounds at the CC gets approved…you're the only one I trust and the only one who has experience in working in the CC without any trouble" Daniel states, sitting across from the other Doctor his hands fidget with one another.
It was a big ask, getting Collin to do this. The man was already busy and he had his dreams and ideas of what he wanted to do in life, to derail it and get him to come back to the CC was poor in Daniel's opinion but he trusted no one else.
"But if that takes too long then please stay there until James can recover and hire someone else" Daniel adds as another ultimatum.
The brunette looks down at the folder, humming in deep thought as he opens it up and flickers through it. His brows raise with each passing page.
"There's a list of every basic protocol for the medical sector of the CC as well as details on how to manage and approach different crews and gangs…this is some personal stuff" Whilst Collin maintained a strictly professional relationship with the gangs and fighters of the CC and they mutually didn't mind each other, it was always good to know what kind of patients you would be dealing with.
"I know it's slightly personal but It didn't feel right not to include details like that. Each group has a preferred way of being approached…I just don't want them to regress and stick to just their crews and groups…or dislike the new Doctor because they're unprepared to handle them" Daniel informs and it is the truth.
Collin nods but his frown seems to grow deeper.
"So…you're going to undergo a program in America…Has your uncle told you where and what yet?" Collin asks and Daniel nods.
"I'm going to be resuming and completing my residency at the University of Washington Medical Centre and if I do well I might stay to complete a fellowship" Daniel explains only for Collin to stand up from his seat in a start.
"UWMC?!" He shouts before clamping his mouth shut with his hand. Looking around the Doctor releases a deep breath when he remembers they were alone in the On-call room. Sitting back down, Collin hisses. "That's crazy, what the hell Daniel? How did you even manage to get in?" He questions and Daniel feels guilty with his response.
"My uncle. He has connections all over the world with different hospitals, doctors and so on…I feel like a fraud taking advantage of this opportunity" Daniel lets out a long-suffering sigh. Just another way he was exploiting his position of power, but this time it was to improve himself.
Daniel has had every opportunity to become a better doctor but he hasn't. He's allowed his fear and past to get the best of him time and time again, this time it was going to be different. He was going to complete his residency, which had been on hold ever since he started working at the CC, pick a specialist and go for his fellowship. Along the way, he was going to help as many people as he could, improve himself and ensure that he deserved every opportunity he got without anyone questioning him.
"I see…I feel like I should be jealous of this but something about that look on your face is making it hard for me to feel that way" Collin grumbles as he crosses his arms. "General surgery, right?" He asks and Daniel nods before rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.
"Back in the day, Jinyoung was trying to convince me to be a cardio-thoracic surgeon like he was. My mother on the other hand tried prompting me to do pediatric surgery. There were a lot of arguments and debates back then" It had been simpler times, arguing about what specialty Daniel should train in. It was before anyone realised he couldn't perform surgery, back when people still had faith in his ability to achieve greatness as a Doctor.
"Hey, Cardio-thoracic surgery is a great speciality" Collin points out proudly before his smile falls off once more. "I'd say it'll be strange without you around but we never really interacted all that much here at the hospital anyways unless it was…it was me picking on you. We interacted even less when you left to work at the CC" The Doctor remarks and Daniel nods.
"Nonetheless…I'll miss you" Daniel finishes off for Collin, understanding where this speech was going. Collin nods, putting on a brave look as he stands up and heads over to the younger.
"You're going to do great things, Daniel. When you come back you better prove everyone's preconceptions of you wrong" Collin urges and Daniel grins as he hugs the other back.
"So you'll take on the role at the CC?" Daniel asks as Collin sighs.
"Ah, what the hell? Sure, as one final favour for you since I used to pick on you so much" Collin agrees easily as Daniel lets out a cheer of happiness.
"Thank you, Collin!"
They don't spend much longer chatting. Collin needed to go back to his rounds and Daniel was free for the rest of the day. It was midday on a Thursday. He had woken up that morning to Gun kissing his forehead, telling him that he needed to get back to work before he was left alone. Daniel hadn't spent much time lazing around, instead getting up and going straight back to his office to finalise his manual for Collin. Once that had finished, Daniel got started on his letters of goodbye. There were specific ones to individuals and groups that he had come to know and get along with during his time at the CC.
There were ones to Public Ansan, Big Deal, Hostel, God Dogs and even ones to Workers although that one was significantly shorter and far more professional than the others. There was a collective letter directed to the Jae Won High kids and Burn Knuckles. Individual ones for Mira, Jay and each of the Founders including Gun. Except he had yet to write Gun's one just yet, saving it for last. They were all personalised, expressing his thoughts and feelings to each group or person as well as an apology for not being able to say goodbye in person.
Daniel knows that he would probably get hate just suddenly getting up and leaving without a word but he didn't know any other way to do this. It was far too many people to say goodbye to and he knew he would barely be strong enough to say goodbye to one group without breaking down and crying. Besides, his flight was set for the next day at around midday, he didn't exactly have the time to do personal visits on foot and public transport.
With that in mind, he did want to deliver one letter and sort out one loose end before leaving the hospital that day. The hallways and corridors of SNMC are familiar enough, despite his time away from the hospital he knew the pathways like they were the back of his hand. He finds himself walking towards the VIP area, knocking softly before entering when there's no answer.
James lay in his assigned bed, still unconscious and looking far too bruised for Daniel's liking. Yet he seemed at peace, resting rather than working for once. The Doctor hadn't heard any news about DGs sudden disappearance, his team probably covering for him so there was no widespread confusion or questioning fans just yet. The room, unlike when Daniel was recovering and prevented outsiders from visiting, was filled with many different gifts.
There were more bouquets than Daniel could count, he could spy the different names attached to each gift as different fighters, crews and even Kings. There was a larger pile that was directly from Charles Choi, Gun and of course, Goo who held the title as the one with the most gifts for James. Overall, with their abundant colours and varying degrees of beauty, it was an amazing sight.
Moving away from the gifts at the end of the room, Daniel takes out one sealed letter. He places it on the bedside table, alone and simple. Whenever James decided to wake up he'd see it and read it, detailing the specifics of the programme he was pushing for the CC, that Collin was going to take over for now and that he was sincerely apologetic for leaving. He thanked the Founder for his friendship over the months and wished him all the best with his help and future.
With that settled, Daniel sends the Founder one last sad look. It was hard, seeing James like this but for now, there was nothing he could do to fix it. It was all up to James and the hospital to ensure he recovered.
Leaving the room, Daniel slowly takes in the sight of the building. He had never really stopped to appreciate SNMC and all the opportunities it had given him despite his endless amount of fuck ups. A sense of nostalgia hits him and he can't help but feel silly. He's not that old and realistically he hadn't been here for that long but it hits him anyways.
The familiar faces were both those who were kind to him and those who didn't like him. Daniel appreciated it all.
Daniel finds himself in one of the quieter parts of the hospital, knocking on another patient's room door there's the faintest sound of a 'come in' before the Doctor sucks in a deep breath and heads in.
In this moment, as Daniel turns to face the patient, he removes any form of positive emotions and settles on a neutral look.
"Jeremy" He greets softly, not wanting to scare the other.
Jeremy was frozen in his spot, looking at Daniel with an open mouth gape before eventually it contorted into anger.
"What the hell are YOU doing here? Are you here to finish the job? Security! SECURITY!" Within moments the man starts causing a fuss and Daniel can only sigh as he approaches and holds up an open hand in a 'please stop' motion. Surprisingly the man does as he's told.
"I'm not here to do anything other than talk. Just five minutes and then I'll be out of your hair" Daniel explains. If he was rejected then he wouldn't suffer any loss from the lack of interaction but he did want to talk to Jeremy, even if it was just to clear some things up.
Jeremy's eyes narrow into small slits, he clicks his tongue before looking around the room and pointing at something.
"If you do something to me I'll have it on camera, watch yourself" He warns and Daniel glances at the security camera. Refraining from rolling his eyes over the dramatics, Daniel agrees before sitting down. "Your five minutes start now, hurry up" Jeremy grumbles.
Settling into his spot, and now given the chance to speak, Daniel was unsure of how to start. There was a lot he wanted to say to Jeremy, he didn't know if he wanted to scream and shout or accuse the other of changing the trajectory of his life with one singular argument gone wrong. So instead he starts small with an apology.
"Jeremy, I want to apologise for my actions towards you" It's simple and plain but even then it causes the other to scoff.
"You apologise? Oh hurray! This makes everything better!" The man snarls out, distaste plain to see on his face. "You really think I'm going to accept this poor excuse of an apology? After you hit my fucking head with a goddamn metal tray? After you lied through your fucking teeth to everyone about everything I told them? Or maybe this is an apology for being a stuck-up prick? Or is it an apology for your uncle sending his pack of a legal team after me, oh scratch that, it was two fucking legal teams trying to shut me up about what happened! Is that what you're apologising for?" Jeremy grows angrier and angrier with every passing word and Daniel can only bite the inside of his cheek.
He didn't know both Jinyoung's and Charles legal team had already spoken to Jeremy, no wonder the guy was pissed. Being silenced was something the man always got upset about.
"Yes. I'm sorry about all of that but if you must know, I didn't mean to assault you or lie about the truth…I was only trying to protect Gun and the image of the CC and SNMC-" "Bullshit, you were only trying to protect yourself" Jeremy hisses and Daniel finds that maybe he's half right about that part.
"Jeremy, none of this would have happened if you had decided to talk to me one-on-one about your issues against me. I hate to admit it but I do agree with the points you made against me, about me being a child of nepotism, my special treatment and how I endangered the lives of others. But for you to make a scene out of this, practically endangering the integrity of the hospital…I couldn't accept that. And you revealing the truth about Gun and I…publically outing us is shitty with our dynamics" Daniel reasons.
The other had gone silent, having been taken aback by Daniel's agreement and for a moment he almost looked guilty at the prospect of outing someone but that was quickly overshadowed by even more anger.
"If you're just trying appease to me-" "I'm not" Daniel shakes his head quickly.