Work Text:
Gyuvin knew since he was 7 years old that he was going to marry Ricky.
It was a hot summer day, Gyuvin was packing his backpack with essentials; flashlight, binoculars, books about bugs or plantlife, a spiderman mask and plenty of snacks. Today was the day that the little boy was going to catch a worm! He wanted a pet and his mother says he can't have a dog, so a worm was the second best option in the 7 year old’s mind.
“Gyuvin, come outside. There's someone I want you to meet!” Gyuvin hears his mother shout from downstairs.
“Coming!” Gyuvin grabs his backpack and races down the stairs. He puts on his velcro shoes and he’s out the door. His mother is at the end of the driveway with another stranger. Gyuvin’s mom beckons him closer.
She gently places her hand onto Gyuvin’s shoulder. Gyuvin spots a black haired boy in black sunglasses hidden behind the other woman’s legs.
“This is my son Gyuvin! Gyuvin, this is Ricky and Ricky’s mother. They're our new neighbors.” Gyuvin smiles and gives a small bow.
“Hi Ricky!” Gyuvin’s loud and excited tone makes the other jump.
“Don’t mind him, he's kind of shy! Say hello Ricky!” Ricky steps out from behind his mom’s legs. Small hand still wrapped around her knee as he bows.
“Ricky! I’m going to the creek to catch a worm if you want to join!” Gyuvin points to the patch of woods on the edge of their street.
Ricky’s mom speaks first, “That sounds like fun Ricky! Why don't you join him, do you want to?” Ricky’s shielded eyes didn’t move from staring at the big hole in Gyuvin’s toothy grin as he nodded his head, but Gyuvin didn’t know that. Gyuvin grabs Ricky’s hands and pulls the other while waving goodbye to his mother.
Gyuvin learned a lot about Ricky that day. He hates mud, he hates bugs and he has the biggest eyes and prettiest smile Gyuvin’s ever seen.
It was when Ricky was swinging on the swing Gyuvin’s father made over the creek that Gyuvin saw Ricky’s smile for the first time. He was going so high that his sunglasses fell off, falling into the water. Ricky refused to get into the water.
“Don’t worry Ricky! Spiderman is on the way.” Gyuvin rummages through his backpack to find the bright red mask. He puts it on and jumps into the water. It barely touches the hem of his blue shorts right above the knee. Gyuvin’s feet were heavy from his shoes filling with water but it was all worth it when he saw Ricky’s eyes sparkle and mutter a small thanks when he hands him the sunglasses. The worm long forgotten.
When the sky starts to glow orange and they exchange promises to hang out tomorrow, Gyuvin bolts into his house. His mother and father are on opposite ends of the couch.
“How was hanging out with Ricky?” Gyuvin’s mom pulls the boy into a big hug. Gyuvin went on and on about all the exciting things the two of them did and about Ricky. “I want to spend the rest of my life with Ricky! I am going to marry him!” Gyuvin giggles at the thought of Ricky in a frilly wedding dress, his father however was less than amused. Gyuvin was only 7 when his father started to scream at him. Gyuvin went to bed that night crying in his mothers arms. Whaling and asking about what he did wrong.
His mother assures him, “You did nothing wrong sweetie. You can marry Ricky, I promise” His mothers smile was sweet.
— — —
Gyuvin was 12 the first time he stormed out of the house mid argument with his father. Gyuvin’s mind was blank as he knocked on the familiar door. His fists shaking with anger. All that dissipates when he’s met with a familiar pair of warm brown cat-like eyes. Ricky was in his pajamas, but he’s got a grocery bag on his head.
“Hey, can I come in?” Gyuvin’s voice tremors a bit. Ricky nods and moves aside to let him in. Gyuvin bends down to take his shoes off when he realizes he's not wearing any. Gyuvin grabs his pair of slippers by the door and puts them on. Gyuvin watches as Ricky scans his appearance. Their eyes meet and Gyuvin can see the concern in them.
“Ghosts?” He asks.
Gyuvin’s dad’s tantrums became so frequent ever since that day, that even Ricky could notice the hostile air in the house. Ricky’s innocent 7 year old mind came up with the most logical reason possible. Gyuvin’s house had to be haunted! The ghosts were making Gyuvin’s dad irritated. Gyuvin knew that it wasn’t the case, but he didn’t want to tell Ricky the real reason. From that day on, the pair stayed mostly at Ricky’s. As the pair got older, Ricky realized that it was not the work of ghosts but they decided to code name the problem. Gyuvin claimed that it felt easier to talk about when it was in code.
“Ghosts” Gyuvin replies. Ricky pulls the other into a hug, but Gyuvin pushes him away.
“Dude, your head smells like shit.” Gyuvin holds his nose.
“I'm bleaching my hair blonde.” Ricky says, leading them to the kitchen. There stands Ricky’s mother with gloves on her hands and the pungent smell stronger.
“Hi Gyuvin! We’re dying Ricky’s hair! I’d give you a hug, but….” She references the bleach stained gloves. The mother and son start talking in chinese, Gyuvin is used to the two of them speaking in their native tongue. He quite enjoys it actually. Watching Ricky’s facial expressions speaking in Chinese was different from Korean or English. He looked so comfortable and even though Gyuvin couldn’t understand a word, he could listen to him speak all day.
Ricky’s mom pulls the grocery bag up a bit, checking on the strands. Ricky bends his head over the sink. Ricky complained about the cold water in english. Gyuvin giggles at the other boy's small squeaks.
“Ricky doesn’t like water~ He is a cat~” Gyuvin says, mocking the other boy’s speaking tone.
Gyuvin’s chest constricted when they were done rinsing it out and Ricky pulled his head from the sink. His hair slicked back from the water, his dark eyebrows furrowed and a bleach stained towel around his neck. He looks really good with blonde hair. Gyuvin thinks back to his mothers promise. Damn… I really want to marry this guy.
— — —
Gyuvin was 16 when he ran away for the first time. Gyuvin decided to quit basketball, his father was not happy. Even worse, he decided to start dancing, his father definitely didn’t like that. His father screamed profanities and insults at him, Gyuvin wasn’t any better. It all broke when his hand made contact with Gyuvin’s cheek. That was it for him. Typically Gyuvin would bite his tongue and cry in his closet afterwards but today was his last straw. Gyuvin packed his bag. Ignoring his dad’s screams and his mothers begging, he left the house. He trekked into the same woods Ricky and him used to play in as kids. Following the familiar path to one of his favorite spots of all time.
When Ricky and him turned 10, they decided to build a treehouse. Getting Ricky’s dad to build it for them. The light inside was already on. Gyuvin climbs the ladder and sees a familiar mop of red hair. He was dressed in all black and had his earbuds in. Gyuvin smiles and settles next to the other. Placing his head onto the red head’s shoulder. Ricky doesn’t say anything, instead gives Gyuvin an earbud. Gyuvin knows that Ricky can hear their arguments sometimes. They don't really talk about it.
“Do you think I can still move in with you and we can be pirates?” Gyuvin traces the stars with his eyes. Ricky chuckles at the memory.
“I said that when I was like 9 years old, how do you still remember that!” Ricky shoves his shoulder a bit. Gyuvin lays down and closes his eyes, Ricky follows.
“I’m 100% sure I’m gay.” Ricky says. Gyuvin bolts up, eyes wide. “W-what?” Ricky’s eyes don't meet his. Gyuvin lays back down.
“That's cool~ Ricky likes men~” Gyuvin says in his usual Ricky tone. Gyuvin watches as Ricky, shoulders relax and a soft smile rests on his face. I don't know if I’m gay but you are the only person I’ve ever loved , Gyuvin thinks.
— — —
Gyuvin is 17 when his father finally leaves. Divorce papers signed and for the first time in the last decade, Gyuvin can breathe in his own house again. He’ll never forget the look on his mothers face as she collapsed into his arms after the ghost was gone. She apologized and apologized, Gyuvin said nothing and just hugged her. They fell asleep together in Gyuvin’s bed that night.
— — —
Gyuvin is 18 when Ricky meets Lee Jeonghyun. The cool guy from the record store down the street. Their sleepovers were taken over by I can’t or Jeonghyun is coming over. Sometimes the three of them would hang out, but Gyuvin always felt bile build up in the back of his throat at the two. They weren’t even dating, but Gyuvin can tell that Ricky really likes him so he let Ricky be. Gyuvin would sacrifice anything to keep that smile on Ricky’s face.
It was the end of the summer that truly broke Gyuvin’s heart. Gyuvin watched as Ricky was sitting outside. Ricky looked good. Blonde hair slicked back, leaving only a few strands onto his forehead. He was wearing a black button up with his self proclaimed ass fitter pants and he had his vivienne Westwood jewelry on. Gyuvin watched as time ticked by and the sky started to get darker and darker. Ricky checks his phone every few seconds. Gyuvin’s never seen that expression on his face before, heartbreak. Ricky went back inside. How dare he stand Ricky up like that, doesn’t he know how lucky he is!, Gyuvin thinks.
Before Gyuvin knows it, he’s knocking on Ricky’s door. When the door opens, he’s met with Ricky's mother who looks just as pissed as he was. Her gaze softens when she sees him. Immediately she runs up the stairs yelling in mandarin. Gyuvin watches as Ricky’s mother pulls him down the stairs. Gyuvin feels his hands start to sweat around the flower bouquet that he’s holding as Ricky’s eyes meet his. Ricky’s nose was a bit red and his eyes were a bit swollen but in Gyuvin’s eyes he was still beautiful.
Ricky stared in confusion, “Gyuvin what are you doing here?”
Gyuvin clears his throat, “Shen Quan Rui, let’s go on a date!” Gyuvin wanted to puke so badly. Ricky nods, hiding his small smile creeping up his face. Ricky takes the bouquet from Gyuvin and hands it to his mother before muttering he was going to get his jacket. Gyuvin felt his heart swell at how shy Ricky was being. It reminded him of the boy he met a decade ago. “Gyuvin are these from your mothers garden? How is she by the way? We haven’t gotten to do our Sunday morning brunch in a while.” Gyuvin followed her into the kitchen. “They are! She’s doing fine! I think she’s just trying to keep busy until I leave in a few weeks”
Gyuvin and Ricky were going to a university out in Seoul now that they graduated highschool. Ricky was majoring in Art and Gyuvin in architecture.
Ricky interrupts the two’s conversation by clearing his throat.
“Ready to go?” Gyuvin asks. Ricky nods and gives his mother a quick hug before following the other to his car. Gyuvin’s father had bought his mother a new car when Gyuvin turned 17 but she never used it so it became his after he left.
They end up at a sonic drive-in, one of their regular spots. Ricky and Gyuvin order their usual, 2 cheese burgers with Cheese friends and tater tots to share. Ricky orders a strawberry milkshake and Gyuvin orders a sweet tea since it’s a bit hot out even at night during the summer. The two talk about everything and nothing at the same time. Gyuvin could get used to this, mundane dates, sharing food and drinks, waking up next to each other and complaining about the curtains being opened. Gyuvin wants to live his life like this with Ricky, but Gyuvin’s also so incredibly scared of the future instead he clings to this moment and hopes nothing changes in these next few months.
— — —
Gyuvin is 20 when Ricky kisses him for the first time. It was midnight and they’re all hauled into Gyuvin, Junhyeon and Gunwook’s apartment. During their time at college, the two have made quite a lot of friends. Ricky got close with Zhang Hao, a Chinese music education major in school for his masters. Gyuvin making friends with his two roommates and his self elected son Han Yujin. Currently the apartment was filled with bodies waiting for the countdown to start. It was New Year’s Eve. Ricky was wearing a black suit jacket and black slacks, his hair was slicked back and he had his gucci sunglasses resting on top. Ricky has glitter underneath his eyes, mixed with his, as always, perfect eyeliner making the deadliest combination for Gyuvin. Gyuvin wasn’t drunk, but boy did he feel like he was. Gyuvin couldn’t keep his eyes off of Ricky from across the room. He was talking with Zhang Hao, probably in mandarin.
“I say you should kiss him at midnight and see what happens.” A voice cuts into Gyuvin’s internal monologue. He’s met with a whisker smile.
“Hanbin hyung, you know I can’t.” Gyuvin whines
“I really don’t get why. You guys grew up together, cuddle daily and his mom literally calls you son in law. If I didn’t know any better I would’ve thought you were engaged.” Hanbin emphasizes his point with a slap on Gyuvin’s back. Gyuvin ignored his hyung, he knows that Hanbin is just trying to be nice and wants him to be happy but he just doesn't get it.
Hanbin and Zhang Hao met accidentally on the train one day when Hao spilled his coffee onto Hanbin. They always describe it as a mutual falling in love at first sight type of kdrama scenerio. They’re literally soulmates.
While yes, technically Gyuvin fell for Ricky at first sight too, that was when he was 7 not 20. It’s different for him and Ricky, there’s more at stake and Gyuvin doesn’t want to risk it. He doesn’t want all of those precious memories to be tainted with regret. Ricky is the one person Gyuvin never wants to leave behind.
Gyuvin found himself sitting on the couch, a couple making out next to him. He tries to not let his eyes drift to a certain blonde boy who's dancing with Zhang Hao. Gyuvin freezes a bit when his eyes meet Ricky’s. Scared that he got caught, but Ricky didn’t seem to notice instead his smile grew. Ricky made his way across the room until he reached the couch.
“Come dance!” Ricky pulls at Gyuvin’s long arms. Gyuvin always felt awkward dancing in crowds, his head always peaked out from the crowd and his limbs always felt too long. But… how can he say no to Ricky. Next thing he knew, Gyuvin was dancing with everyone he loved. He felt his smile grow as he watched Gunwook challenge Yujin to a dance battle and when he watched Junhyeon dramatically dip Taerae before kissing him. Gyuvin felt so warm, not because of the slight buzz from the alcohol but because he was surrounded by the people he loves most. His eyes landed on Ricky who was currently trying to get Zhang Hao to do dumb partner dances. His gummy smile grew brighter by the second and Gyuvin’s chest constricted more. Ricky changes his focus back to Gyuvin. He grabs both of the brown haired boys hands and starts to sway.
“Everyone 30 seconds til midnight!” someone random in the crowd shouts. The crowd cheers back, everyone starts to shift around. The music turns down.
“20 seconds” more cheers erupt.
“10”
“9” Gyuvin and Ricky get shoved together by the crowd.
“Sorry” Gyuvin says, he totally just stepped on Ricky’s expensive leather shoes.
“8”
“7”
“6” Ricky starts to join in. His smile growing brighter and his hands not letting go of Gyuvins.
“5” Gyuvin shouts along with Ricky. He feels his own excitement start to bubble.
“4”
“3”
“2”
“1” Popping sounds erupt and streamers fly everywhere.
“Happy new y-!” Gyuvin’s shouts were interrupted by Ricky’s hands resting on his jaw. His eyes pleading and flickering down to Gyuvin’s lips.
Gyuvin’s heart was beating so loud, he swore Ricky could hear it over the music. His hands shaky, his mind racing but all that came to a stop the moment Ricky’s lips touched his. Gyuvin’s shaky hands rested onto Ricky’s waist, relaxing into the kiss a bit. It was nothing heated, if anything it felt sweet and shy. A lot like Ricky.
Gyuvin didn’t get to take Ricky out until 3 weeks later. After Ricky started to avoid his calls, Gyuvin took matters into his own hands and showed up at Ricky’s shared apartment. Gyuvin was so scared, but Ricky was even more scared. Gyuvin has never seen him so anxious in his life. Ricky’s palm had a big blue and black mark in the middle of it. Gyuvin wasted no time letting the blonde boy cry into his shoulder.
“I’m sorry” Ricky whispers so softly that if the blonde’s breath wasn’t tickling his ear then he wouldn’t have caught it. Gyuvin shakes his head.
“For you I can wait for an eternity.” Gyuvin caresses the back of Ricky’s head.
— — —
Ricky was 25 when he proposed to Gyuvin. They decided to visit their families over the summer. Gyuvin’s mother had moved into Ricky’s house quite some time ago. Ricky’s mom had suggested it, ever since Ricky went off to college, she found the silence deafening. She knew that Gyuvin’s mother had felt the same, probably even worse since that household's unhappy memories. Now the two women do everything together and are never bored or lonely. When they found out about Ricky’s plan, the two women were ecstatic. Ricky had to shush them many times from cracking jokes or knowing smiles.
Ricky and Gyuvin walked hand and hand through the familiar woods. The same path they took as kids was still there, the same rickety old swing was there but the rope looked like it was going to snap, their initials still carved into the tree next to it.
Ricky still hates mud and he still hates bugs. Even after all these years Gyuvin was still learning new things about his lover everyday.
The sun starts to set and the two stand looking over the creak hand in hand in a comfortable silence. Ricky feels the box pressing into his hip from his jacket pocket. Now or never Ricky thinks. He grabs both of Gyuvin’s hand making the other turn towards him in confusion. His body fully turned towards Ricky. Ricky takes a deep breath before he starts.
“Gyuvin, I’ve loved you ever since you flashed your toothless grin at me after rescuing my sunglasses from the creek. Ever since then I wanted to learn everything about you, I wanted to stay by your side til we both grow old. Now we are no longer 7 and no longer 2 little boys wishing for time to stop just a little bit so we can play pirates a little longer, instead we are now changing with the world and I want to stay by your side and play pirates until we can’t anymore. I love you Gyuvin.” By now Gyuvin’s nose is red and his tears haven’t stopped falling since Ricky started. Ricky reaches into his pocket and pulls out the box.
“Will you marry me?” Ricky’s eyes don't leave Gyuvin’s. The boy can't even answer over his rushed breaths to calm himself down. He just nods instead, pulling up the blonde to connect their lips. After they pull away, Ricky slips the ring onto Gyuvin’s finger and pulls out a tissue from his pocket.
“I knew you would be like this.” Ricky smiles and wipes Gyuvin’s tears and snot away. Gyuvin punches his arm but lets to fall into Ricky’s hand
“You know you're getting my last name right?” Gyuvin says, resting his head on Ricky’s.
“What no way, you're getting mine!” Ricky bumps his head into Gyuvins causing the other the wince.
“Kim Ricky sounds so much better than Shen Gyuvin.” The two argued all the way back to their mothers house.
Gyuvin was 25 when he saw his mother cry out of happiness when she saw the ring.
She pulled him into a hug and whispered, “See I told you, you did nothing wrong.” Gyuvin’s eyes started to fill with tears again.
He got to marry the love of his life. The black haired boy with big round brown eyes and catlike features who turned into his blonde lover with the same big round eyes and catlike features and a big ring on his finger.
Gyuvin was 26 when he fulfilled his promise to his 7 year old self.