#289: Our World is Full of Wonders (You’re an Outstanding One)

[lordchen]

Prompt: #289
Title: Our World is Full of Wonders (You’re an Outstanding One)
Pairing: Chen/Baekhyun, Chen/Chinguline
Rating: PG
Warnings: biology language and supposed-to-be-jokes
Word count: 12,680
Summary: It’s a wonderful world we’re living in… especially if we have people to share it with. Jongdae doesn't realize it until he gets to experience.
Author's note: Whoa, well that was challenge! I’d like to thank the dear prompter for the amazing idea. It was very creative and so much fun to write... I hope everybody will enjoy reading this story just half as much as I enjoyed writing it! ^^



Jongdae has always tried to be the think-before-you-act kind of guy.

He was the one who submitted his test paper last because spent twice as much time as everybody around him did with checking in the lecture hall. He also takes his time when Kyungsoo is up for chess and the latter is fuming with frustration every time because Jongdae makes a move just before the clock would give the other a win the easiest way.

It's hard and tiring but this way Jongdae has managed to get out of certain situations without loss, sometimes even as a winner. So in his opinion, being a thinker is definitely worth the pain, no matter how much fun is missed because of it.

Of course there are times it just doesn't work. Times when Jongdae just throws his brain away and does what the situation inquires because that's the only solution or there is no time for thinking.

But he does try to be a thinker. Think first, act after - Kim Jongdae, 2015.

That's why it is totally strange when after dinner, when Baekhyun is ready to pay based on how he is reaching into his pocket like a madman, Jongdae suddenly blurts out:

"Come home with me?"

Seeing his date partner's taken aback face Jongdae contemplates to take it back quickly, crack a bad joke to ease the situation with laugh. Because this question isn't just sudden but rather pushy. Also there was no thinking involved.

However Baekhyun processes the invitation and nods quickly.

"Yes, gladly."

And it processes even faster after than that, once Baekhyun pays their bills and the next moment they're sitting in a taxi going towards Jongdae's home.

There is no way back now.

This is not how it should be happening. The dinner was planned but going home after that... and he didn't even say "Would you like to walk me home?" no, he had said "Come home with me?" So not foreshadowing... and this is so not going planned (or soundly).

Despite of his inner panic Jongdae feels a lot calmer as he closes the door of his apartment and Baekhyun slips out of his jacket to sit on the sofa.

Baekhyun goes surprisingly well with his sofa.

"You have a nice home."

Jongdae snaps out of the great discovery and moves to sit down too. Not right next to Baekhyun but close enough to seem friendly. Thinking, right? (Not like it isn't already too late to do that.)

"Thanks."

"It's a lot much nicer than mine... tidier too." Baekhyun whips his head around then flashes a glowing smile at his date. "I'm happy you called me over."

This is it, Jongdae thinks as Baekhyun goes back to admiring the otherwise so simple and lame home. His wandering eyes light up from time to time as they find something new, his tight button down stretches on his chest as he shifts, highlighting a relatively firm chest, and the way he's worrying on his thumb now, on that graceful thumb which has that giant mole on it... This is why Jongdae couldn't think when he invited Baekhyun home probably.

And this is all what Jongdae is thinking right now plus the thing that it's game over.

He's smitten forever. Smitten as a kitten.

Jongdae somehow feels awkward realizing this so clears his throat to calm his body and mind. He stands up and inches towards the kitchen. He's not running away he's just... needs a minute or two to come clear with himself. Time for thinking.

"Um, do you want something to drink?"

"Yes... But Jongdae."

The latter turns back hearing his name called - he's like a sunflower oh God - and is shocked to see Baekhyun standing so close. Wasn't he beside the bookshelf a second ago? And what's with this determined look in his eyes?

He gets his answers a moment later when Baekhyun leans in and presses his lips to his. It's nothing too much but still done with intent and it's so good, so wonderful, so... Jongdae really needs a better vocabulary to define how he feels right now.

Baekhyun doesn't leave enough time for him to do though - he separates with a light peck after a few seconds and fixes Jongdae's hair as a final touch.

"Thank you."

Jongdae is positively frozen.

And once again, be-a-thinker mindset forgotten because he reacts with:

"… so this was a thank you-kiss?"

Baekhyun laughs, eyes crinkling.

"It's too early to confess my love, don't you think? ... And you were heading to the kitchen."

Not quite an explanation but still cool.

"Beer?"

"Sure."

Jongdae has never had taken out beer slower from his fridge than now... Okay, he's not even taking it out, just leaning on the door of the fridge like a drama lead would. But he has the right to do so; he has just got his first kiss since forever!

And it's not even from anybody but from Baekhyun - Byun Baekhyun, Blind Date #4, the guy who charmed him away during their first date with spilling mineral water on him then buying them a latte afterwards. (It was probably more because of the latte and the milk moustache Baekhyun was sporting after a sip... so cute.) The guy who took him to stargazing on their second date and didn't mind Jongdae called him out on being a helpless romantic. Also the guy who held an umbrella above their heads and put an arm around his shoulder to give him more shelter during their third date because a sudden shower occurred and they left the mall behind minutes ago.

And last but not least the guy brought home by Jongdae on their fourth date, kissing him out of nowhere.

Jongdae pulls out two bottles of beer and closes the fridge with a small smile. This is something which should require thinking because isn't this happening too fast, four dates are nowhere half of a lifetime, they don't even know each other that much but does this really should? Who cares about being reasonable when the guy in the next room has just kissed him and it was so good and he's been so good to him even before that kiss has taken place?

Jongdae grabs the bottles and starts to walk back to his living room with confident steps and a pounding heart.

Goodbye brain.

His confidence lessens a bit though when he arrives because Baekhyun has moved away from the bookshelf and is slipping through a rather big album with big letters on its cover which spell NICARAGUA.

"Whoa." Baekhyun lets out an excited chuckle after that and Jongdae has to put down the drinks from his hands not to break them in panic. "These pictures are amazing... I mean look at that leopard! It's so big and looks straight into the camera like it's not of afraid of everything."

He was a jaguar but he really wasn't afraid. Unlike Jongdae who was shaking like a good leaf on a bad autumn day and almost forgot which button he must press to get the shot...

"And this kingfisher with those weird feathers attached to its body!" Baekhyun rants on, long fingers skimming through the picture, eyes shimmering. "It is so gracious. And so colorful."

That's actually a blue-crowned motmot (a very rude motmot on top of it, jeez, Jongdae had to fight with mosquitoes and killing humidity for hours until he could find it leisurely chilling on a leaf like he would be the rude one for being late) but Jongdae has bigger problems than differentiating species.

It's especially true as Baekhyun looks up from exploring and asks in a stunned voice:

"Jongdae, you'd shot these, hadn't you?"

Said boy gulps and in default of words, nods shortly. Brain, where are you? Come back!

Seeing that Baekhyun puts the album aside and practically runs to Jongdae's side.

"How come you've never mentioned that? Those pictures are beautiful, Jongdae." His hands come up to cup Jongdae's face and the latter shivers. "Not as beautiful as you but... Are you a photographer? This is your job?"

Jongdae would let love (he said I'm beautiful) and pride (he figured out I'm a professional) swell in his chest but he's too baffled over the fact it's the first time they're talking about their jobs. Four dates aren't half of a lifetime but isn't "what do you do for living" is Basic Question #4 in blind dates?

"Um... Yeah. I'm photographing. For money and fun. What do you do?"

This is so not happening.

Baekhyun laughs, his fingers dancing along Jongdae's jaw.

"I'm a writer. For money and fun... and I hope you take me along next time. I'll write you a book in return."

Jongdae doesn't have obligations but does have further questions. Anyway, Baekhyun cuts him off again and moves in to celebrate the moment with another kiss. With a kiss which takes longer, feels sweeter and which makes Jongdae come a decision he knows he's so going to regret but can't let it not happen.

* * *


"Nice to see you again, Jongdae. He's -"

"Byun Baekhyun. Nice to meet you boss!"

Jongdae can hardly keep up with the supposed-to-be-pleasant smile on his face as Junmyeon and Baekhyun shake hands because the former, his boss, does it so stiff and puzzled he could win a hide-and-seek on Eastern Island perfectly portraying an ahu.

Maybe he should have called in advance or something.

"Nice to meet you. It's true I'm Jongdae's boss but I'd appreciate if you called me by my name, Baekhyun." Junmyeon proposes, or-else heavily implied. "And I don't want to sound rude or anything but may one of you tell me why are you here?"

The word "both" is missing but based on how only the name "Kim Jongdae" was in the letter from the office, it's easy to see why Junmyeon is conflicted over Baekhyun's appearance.

"Baekhyun is a freelance writer." Jongdae answers before said person could say something offending again. "His next novel tells a story of a group of explorers and he needs real life experience to write it genuinely. I offered to help."

It's a bit far from the truth, which is Baekhyun kept nagging him when they'll go on a early honeymoon vacation together and Jongdae grew tired of telling him off, but it's also close to reality. Baekhyun is a freelance writer and is working on a book according to him. (And vacation could help him relax.)

They can make this work... hopefully without Jongdae getting fired afterwards.

"It's a month long trip around the world in different countries with different danger." Junmyeon quotes the letter the pair has got yesterday. "Are you sure you want this, Baekhyun?"

The way Baekhyun's eyes light up replies quite well but he makes it sure.

"Of course! Writing is always easier when you know the characters' job from first hand experience."

Jongdae spares an eye-roll. He totally missed the point...

"You don't have to worry about him, hyung, me and the team will take care of everything. I'll take full responsibility."

"Oh."

Junmyeon's eyes go wide, making Jongdae think it was a really bad attempt to hide his relationship with Baekhyun in order to travel to the office' account... but somehow it works because Junmyeon continues:

"That's good to hear... If it's fine with you, Baekhyun, we can proceed to the details."

Baekhyun breaks into a smile, a sly hand reaching under the table to caress Jongdae's knee.

"Perfectly fine."

To hell with thinking, Jongdae should just learn saying no.

It goes smoothly from here. Baekhyun fills the required documents out leisurely, have all the documents he needs to present and even is willing to give some credit (and money) to the company if he earns more than what a Happy Meal costs in the McDonalds'.

Therefore Junmyeon is visibly less negative by his appearance as their meeting reaches its end.

"I hope you won't have any troubles with the journey, Baekhyun. Jongdae is one of our best employees, I'm sure he can help you a lot during your writing process."

The look Baekhyun gives Jongdae hearing this is so not business, the latter has to clear his throat to direct his thoughts back to work.

"I'll do my best. Thanks, hyung. I'll call you later."

Junmyeon smirks and after a confident nod leaves the room.

Jongdae isn't surprised Baekhyun is in his personal space after 0.123456 seconds.

"I've told you we can make it!"

"No, you've told me you never know till you try."

"The point is we're travelling together." Baekhyun shrugs then without looking around or something puts his arm to the backrest of Jongdae's chair and snuggles closer. "Why are you such a grumpy pants? Show that beautiful smile to me."

It is really hard to stay anxious with a gorgeous Baekhyun so close, saying things like that. And it's not like Jongdae is mad for real so he sighs, his lips pulling into a careful smile.

"I'm just worried. This shouldn't go this smooth."

"This is exactly what we need, believe me."

Jongdae would make Baekhyun further explain what he means by that (it is vague) but before the conversation could take place, the door of the room bursts open revealing a tall male with a shit-eating grin, accompanied by a smaller one, face total done.

"Jongdae!"

"Hey guys." Jongdae tries to be less awkward than he was with Junmyeon but Baekhyun leans back in his chair in the last of the last moment. "What's up?"

"You can start sobbing right now because Scotland was awesome." The man with the rumbling voice continues. "Also grey seal brothers say hi."

"Also what?"

"We've found a great colony of Halichoerus grypus at the Lambay Island. " The other one helps out, eyes wandering towards Jongdae's right. "Who is that?"

A great colony of Halichoerus grypus... Jongdae can feel his insides burn up with at least a sea of desperate why-I-stayed-at-home-s. He has seen grey seals before (not just in an Attenborough movie but with his two teary eyes) but not at Lambay Island. God, that would have been a sight.

"I don't think I've seen you before. Or I have?"

"Jongdae."

Fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, pups and adults gathering on the shore, surrounded by the cooling waves of the Irish Sea as the sun comes up in the background making their skin glow and their postures graceful...

"Why is he panicking?"

"Because of your aura."

"I should have pushed you into the sea when the opportunity had risen."

"Ha, too late."

"Ya, Jongdae!"

Jongdae only comes back from Lambay Island... I mean his daydreaming on imaginary said island when Baekhyun sneakily pinches his arm.

"What?"

"Introduce me."

Jongdae lifts his head up to see Chanyeol and Kyungsoo look at them expectant. (Or at least this is how it seems in the former's case; it's hard to decide when Kyungsoo is interested.)

"Ah. Guys, this is Baekhyun. He's going to accompany us to the tour."

"Oh really?" Chanyeol's eyes light up, smirk wide. "What's the occasion? Honeymoon?"

"Work." Baekhyun replies at instant and Jongdae has a hard time to hide surprise at him. "I'm a writer."

Kyungsoo's eyes narrow and his face turns from wondering back to total done. This amount of expression change doesn't foreshadow any good, Jongdae knows from experience.

"You've written something like ‘Strawberry Swing’, right?"

"Strawberry Swag." Baekhyun corrects with a proud grin. "Did you like it? Are you a fan perhaps?"

Before Kyungsoo could answer, Chanyeol snaps his fingers and looks at Jongdae.

"Isn't that the book 'Soo used to make ant baits out of in Cameroon?"

"No, that was the script for your next movie. I believe it's the book 'Soo always keeps at hand to remember what not to write."

No wonder why Jongdae kept thinking all night after the first date where he heard the name "Baekhyun" before... Kyungsoo made sure to remind them on every journey "If I attempt to write something like this one day, please, stop me" and “His choice of title is the worst”.

"Excuse me but the writer of that book is sitting here."

Oh right.

Jongdae flashes a smile at him.

"Kyungsoo doesn't like fiction."

"I like fiction but only the ones that are written well."

Baekhyun's face drops.

"He's not used to novels; he's more the article-type of guy." Chanyeol tries to save what can be saved but Kyungsoo makes the situation clear.

"I'm better at articles but I can't say no to a good novel." His big eyes shift to Baekhyun with a smirk. “At least I had a good laugh."

Baekhyun gasps and Jongdae doesn't hesitate to grab his hand under the table. Baekhyun is not the violent type but based on how he often swings his leg back and forth out of boredom, it's better stopping him before Kyungsoo would use the headlock he had learnt during that suspicious "journalist conference" organized in Japan in return.

"Haha, 'Soo, your jokes has always been offending great!" Chanyeol fakes a laugh, even slapping his knees for the impact.

Jongdae laughs with him half-heartedly.

Baekhyun and Kyungsoo don't, they're just look each other in the eye, looks equally challenging.

This is going to be one hell of a trip.


"Where could they be?"

"Probably at the buffet. Soo can't live without his coffee."

Baekhyun accepts Jongdae's answer with a nod then maneuvers both of them through the terminal.

Jongdae feels like he's living in fast-forward. It seems like it was yesterday they discussed preparations, plans, accommodation and equipment but no, it was actually two weeks ago and now the four of them is ready to check in to their flight to Australia. Damn, time can fly fast.

And it's not like Jongdae feels ready. Sure, he's 100% percent ready to find the eagles they're going for (it's even going to be his first time seeing one oh man) but he's not even 1% ready to deal with his newly arranged team and the wars it can bring.

Chanyeol and Baekhyun turned out to be long-lost soulmates with their love for music and jokes so they’ll be okay (they’ll be problem for the other two but not for each other which is the point) but then there’s Kyungsoo who likely would rather go hermit than letting “that shameless intruder come and chase away all the objects we’re on to find with his outrageous behavior”.

You can pretend like he doesn’t exist, I’m the one in charge, Jongdae said multiple times during the week but Kyungsoo looked just as stubborn as always.

“He won’t be able to shut up when we’re supposed to.”

“I’ll shut him up.”

“He won’t be able to stay still when we’re supposed to.”

“I’ll make him.”

“Of course you will.”

Jongdae purposely didn’t think about what that had implied and continued.

“Look, Soo, Chanyeol is the same and we can handle him now. I’m sure we can learn how to handle Baekhyun. Just give him a chance, okay?”

Kyungsoo sighed.

“One chance. If he makes an Aquila fly away, I won’t let him board the ship to the island.”

Baekhyun just shrugged it off.

“At least I have a chance.”

Yeah… a chance which is quick to use and then they have to face Kyungsoo’s wrath in the middle of the ocean. Perfect.

Jongdae clears disturbing thoughts like these out of his head as they spot Chanyeol and Kyungsoo sitting at a table, hovering over a map. It’s work after all, he should focus.

“Good morning!”

Chanyeol is first to look up, with a big smile on his face as a reaction for Baekhyun’s loud greeting.

“Good morning, lovebirds. Do you want to have something before we check-in?”

Lovebirds quickly let their hands go (part of Jongdae wonders why they’re still keeping up with hiding when they always get caught).

“I’ll have a latte. Jongdae?”

“Nothing, thanks.”

As Baekhyun leaves, Kyungsoo starts to pay attention also.

“Kim Jongdae, you’re late.”

Damn.

“Heavy traffic.”

“I bet.”

It’s actually true. The streets were indeed crowded this morning… okay, it’s also because Baekhyun and Jongdae had an argument over bringing Buddy, the typewriter or not (“It’s too heavy.” “I have to write even if there’s no electricity.” “Then just bring pen and papers.” “You don’t understand art!”) but that’s not something Jongdae’s colleagues should know about. They know enough already.

“The point is they’ve arrived before the last call.” Chanyeol pipes in.

Kyungsoo snorts.

“Right. And when we miss the flight to Tanna Island we’ll just swim.”

Jongdae clenches his mouth. Sure Baekhyun is hard to get used to – at least it is for people with different styles like Kyungsoo – but there is a difference being sarcastic and mean.

Chanyeol knows that too and doesn’t tolerate the latter either.

“’Soo, please stop being such a meanie. This is supposed to be our first joint journey in a long time, don’t ruin the mood!”

Kyungsoo doesn’t reply with anything and it has to do with Baekhyun arriving back from the counter.

“Whoa, what a cool atmosphere.”

“It’s too early to be cheerful.” Jongdae pats his shoulder and gestures towards his drink. “I’d hurry we’ll have to check-in soon.


The flight takes roughly ten hours. It’s long and exhausting but Jongdae is used to it. Being a photographer requires a lot of traveling, it’d be impossible to be successful and content without it. Jongdae likes capturing his homeland from different angles and perspectives but why would he stay forever if he’s living in such a big world with so many things waiting to be discovered and admired? It would be such a waste.

Chanyeol and Kyungsoo are the same. They’re seated a bit far from them (one of the conditions Kyungsoo agreed to let Baekhyun come) but they look fine - the former is listening to music, fingers tapping his knee to the rhythm coming from his headphones and the latter typing on his laptop focused.

Baekhyun is a different case.

“How long it has been since we’ve set off?”

“An hour.” Jongdae answers, putting away the magazine of last month. “Why? Are you bored?”

“As hell.” Baekhyun exclaims while stretching his arms above his head. “I’d sleep but I can’t on a plane.”

There are faint dark circles under his eyes from not sleeping the day before (“How could I sleep when we’re going on a world tour?”) and his hair is a bit tousled thanks to the hurry which they were in. Jongdae thinks he looks adorable though.

“… so why don’t you tell me what we’re about to look for?”

“Huh?”

Baekhyun smiles and intertwines their hands resting on the common armrest before he repeats his offer.

“Tell me about what’s waiting for us.”

Jongdae blushes at the skin contact. He lost count which date they’re at and but maybe it doesn’t matter – maybe he won’t be able to get used to it ever.

“I’ve told you yesterday.”

“I want to hear it again.”

They’re not at the company where Jongdae is used to held lectures to grade schoolers but Jongdae still feels a bit nervous as he explains.

“We’re going to watch and examine how the Aquila audax, that is the wedge-tailed eagle, behaves in its natural habitat. Wedge-tailed eagles or eaglehawks are the largest bird of preys in Australia. Therefore they’re easy to spot even by a non-expert but since another species, the white-bellied sea eagle for example looks somewhat similar to them and they even live more or less at the same area eaglehawks are a bit hard to follow... But they’re really grand. Their wingspan is so broad and they fight so hard for their territory! They fly high in the air but no one knows why… and they can even catch kangaroos!”

Jongdae doesn’t miss how he has lost his official voice and collective mind in the meantime. He’s usually quick to ramble and sound non-professional (one of his weaknesses and the reason why his animal taxonomy professor hated him so much) but he just can’t help it. His enthusiasm will take him to the grave but that’s also the thing which keeps him alive.

Baekhyun doesn’t seem to mind though. He squeezes Jongdae’s hand and presents him with a kind smile.

“They can catch kangaroos?”

“Well, they at least attack kangaroos. I’ve seen it in a very badly recorded video and another colleague of mine told about it as well...”

Zitao was so traumatized when he got back form Australia he didn’t dare to leave his house for a week.

“This is a good opportunity to clarify it. Right?”

“Right.”

Jongdae finishes speaking with an awkward gulp. Baekhyun is positively staring at him but doesn’t say a thing. The silence itself is not awkward but it’s heavy and makes Jongdae feel stuffy.

It can’t go on like this for nine hours more so Jongdae clears his throat and changes topic.

“Kyungsoo doesn’t hate you. He’s just not as lively as you are.”

Baekhyun turns his head away with a sigh.

Well done breaking the moment, Kim Jongdae.

“I know.”

“I bet once we land, he’ll even smile at you.”

Baekhyun chuckles and reaches over with his free hand to caress Jongdae’s cheek.

“We’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”



Kyungsoo is far from smiling when they land in Sydney but at least he doesn’t shower them with uncomfortable comments as they pick up their luggage.

Chanyeol thinks it foreshadows peace.

“Don’t tell a word to him but I think I saw Baekhyun’s book in his bag.” He whispers to Jongdae when they’re walking outside to catch a bus.

“He takes that book everywhere, we’ve discussed it.”

“True. But do you really think he does because he hates it?” Chanyeol shakes his head disapprovingly. “I have Fifty Shades with myself yet I –“

Jongdae stops in the tracks.

“I mean…”

“No way!”

Jongdae would continue teasing his colleague (“I bet you can even quote it.” “No.” “Should I call you Mr. Grey?” “Stop it!”) but such enormous crowd welcomes them at the bus stop that they all stop doing what they were.

“I don’t think we can get on.” Kyungsoo notifies disappointed.

Chanyeol shrugs.

“We can wait for the next one, can’t we?”

“Not really. We’ve made a meeting with the tour guide at noon.” Jongdae says, taking a look at the clock on the building. “We have to depart like now.”

It’s another thing which is not unusual – or at least it shouldn’t be. But for once the three of them are unsure of what to do. Call the tour guide and somehow convince him to wait? Go on foot and ran if it’s needed?

What luck there’s one more person around.

“We will get on.” Baekhyun announces and linking arms with Jongdae by his side beckons the other two naturalists towards the vehicle. “Follow me.”

His English might be horrible (even Jongdae cringes who’s almost worse) but Baekhyun manages to get them on the bus. There’s no place to sit and other people’s luggage are in their face and under their feet but they arrive at time and that’s what matters.

The representative from the national park is even surprised by seeing them a little earlier.

“You came with another flight?”

“We had luck with the bus.” Jongdae answers, not forgetting sending a thankful look to the boy next to him.

Baekhyun responds with a little wink.

From then on Kyungsoo, as the best English speaker among them, takes off and they discuss the details of the work in the field. They’ve done most of the planning ahead of the trip but it’s good to come clear if something has changed since then.

Fortunately everything is fine so their guide, “Just call me Kris”, lets them unpack and get familiar with the area.

“Let’s meet in the hall tomorrow at nine.” He says lastly. “We’ll go to the field together and then I’ll leave you alone.”

Jongdae thinks this is it and is ready to leave to his shared room with Baekhyun to take a nap (he’ll have a few words to Junmyeon for this arrangement though because no matter how convenient it is, it brings unwanted suspicion) but Kyungsoo’s words stop him.

“Nothing unwanted noise during the night.”

Fuck… I mean Fungus. Biologists only curse in biology.

“I have no idea what you mean.”

Chanyeol laughs and puts a hand on Kyungsoo’s shoulder.

“I brought earplugs, don’t worry.”

“You won’t even found out we’re alive.” Baekhyun reassures him with an eye-roll.

Jongdae would speak up for him but Kyungsoo is quicker.

“And Baekhyun.”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks.”

The writer furrows his brows but then nods and both he and Kyungsoo enter their separate rooms.

Chanyeol and Jongdae exchange looks.

“I’ve told you it was foreshadowing.”

“Shut up, Mr. Grey.”

Jongdae goes to bed with a smile on his face (and a practically dead Baekhyun hugging him) that night though.



The Mutawintji National Park is one of the places Jongdae hasn’t been since the National Geographic Society had employed him so he makes sure to look around and breathe in everything.

The clear blue sky spreads above them like a great blanket without any wrinkles and the multicolored landscape – a nice combination of deep green vegetation, brick red sand and sunset orange rocks – screams life and something higher than them.

Jongdae almost feels bad for stepping into such perfect creature of nature.

“Why is he looking at that mountain with glassy eyes?”

“He’s apparently having a naturegasm.”

“A what?”

Hearing their guide chuckling, Jongdae turns back to the inside of the car.

“I’ve never been here, of course I look around. Don’t start again, ‘Yeol.”

“Whenever and wherever we travel, especially to foreign places to him, Jongdae has that starstruck look on his face.” Kyungsoo agrees, totally not helping. He even smirks. “It’s pretty amusing.”

“There are better places to see though.” Kris says from behind the steering wheel, eyes looking into the rearview mirror to find him. “You should be prepared.”

Chanyeol and Kyungsoo agree with him by joining in for a little laugh.

Jongdae attempts to hide his embarrassment by burying his face in the catalog Kris gave them yesterday. It’s not the first (or the last time) his colleagues call him out on his love for nature but he still can’t get back at them.

“Don’t mind them.”

It’s Baekhyun. He leaned a bit closer to hide his face behind the same catalog, creating a little space just for the two.

“They don’t know a thing. You looked amazing, not amusing.”

The close proximity, plus the closeness of the others, plus those damn sweet words all cause Jongdae’s blood rush.

“I-It’s okay.”

He even stutters oh my.

“I’d really like you to share with me what you experience.” Baekhyun continues, lips pulling into a sweet smile. “I can’t understand where we are or what we see but I think you do.”

Jongdae remembers his shining face flipping through the photo album in his apartment and his heart warms up.

They’re a match.

“Of course.”

They find a nest at a leopardwood tree after twenty minutes (Flindersia maculosa, Kyungsoo blurts out immediately, much to Chanyeol’s annoyance and Baekhyun’s dismay). Jongdae is the first one to get out of the car but Kyungsoo with his papers and Chanyeol with his camera on his shoulder follow him along.

“We’re a bit early but I think one appears soon.” Kris helps in from the side.

Jongdae looks at the nest on the top of tree. It’s relatively big and new, meaning something more.

“Are there any eggs in it?”

“Last time we counted two.”

“Can we take a look at them?” Chanyeol asks while adjusting his camera but he’s late.

Jongdae is already on his way up to the crown.

“At least ask about it!” Kyungsoo shouts after him.

“We don’t have time!” Jongdae shouts back without looking down. “The parents can be back at any minute.”

Baekhyun watches the scene unfold dumbfounded.

“Um, does this happen a lot?”

“This happens always.” Chanyeol shakes his head with a smirk. “’Dae knows no patience when it comes to nature.”

“He should ask for permission though.” Kris comments, arms folded in front of his broad chest, totally not looking like he wants to leave the team alone. “That’s not what Kim Junmyeon has predicted to me.”

He looks quite intimidating so Kyungsoo comes to rescue and tries to distract him until Baekhyun and Chanyeol go to get Jongdae off of the tree safe and sound.

Said person reaches the top easily and… whoa, two eggs indeed. Jongdae switches his machine on with a wide smile and takes some pictures. The sky is bright and the tree is unmoving thanks to the lack of wind at the moment, making the shots perfect.

“It’s been a few minutes, you can come down now.” Chanyeol reminds him.

Baekhyun sees Jongdae standing on a pretty thin branch in his opinion and gulps.

“Slowly, please.”

Jongdae rolls his eyes and packs his camera away. He’s climbed taller trees before (a Centurion not far from where they currently are actually), they are worrying for nothing.

He’s about to take his first step down when in the periphery of his vision he notices a dark spot approaching.

That’s it.

“Chanyeol, your camera!”

Said male quickly understands what is about to happen and with the help of Kyungsoo gets ready for the recording.

Baekhyun is next to Jongdae as soon as the latter has his feet on the ground again.

“You owe me an explanation.”

“Later.”

Baekhyun is visibly stunned by that dodge but Jongdae has another thing to worry about.

“I don’t see it.” Chanyeol says, searching for the bird. “Are you sure you weren’t seeing things?”

“I saw it too.” Kyungsoo replies instead of Jongdae. “Maybe it landed on another tree.”

“Its nest is here.” Jongdae argues, eyes never leaving the sky. “It probably spotted me too. It has to come back.”

They wait for a while. Kyungsoo was nice enough to make them sandwiches in the morning (he even gave one to Baekhyun) so they decide to have a lunch break in the car.

“The trashcan is in the front.” Kris reminds them grumpily. It’s clear littering is not his style.

Jongdae should apologize or something but he’s too busy – of course – looking for the eaglehawk.

It couldn’t disappear. They were more or less in the same height, it’s impossible that…

“What the Fungus!”

Chanyeol only has time to swear before the suddenly appeared eaglehawk successfully tosses him to the ground.

Baekhyun and Kyungsoo drop their sandwiches.

What a grand entrance.

Kris almost trips on a rock as he runs to help.

“Everything’s okay?”

“I’m fine.” Chanyeol sniffs as he kneels up. “I hope Pan is fine as well or I’ll never shoot eaglehawks again.”

The conversation goes unnoticed by Jongdae because he’s busy getting shots of the bird. It flies a bit low but that’s okay.

However…

“Chanyeol, stand up and record!”

“Excuse me but I’ve been just flipped over by a fowl.”

“I’ll treat your wounds later.” Kyungsoo helps him up. “Now let’s get to business.”

It’s pretty dangerous trying to record an enraged animal and Kris seems to know that too based on how sweat flows down his face (Junmyeon so will be in trouble later) but the three naturalists doesn’t care about that.

“It is an Aquila audax.” Jongdae comments while Kyungsoo is busily noting everything they see.

“Probably an adult female.”

“Yeah. Looks healthy and strong.”

Proving his words, the bird pounces on them once again. The duo leans down in the last minute but then continues like nothing happened.

“Defensive as we’ve predicted. The eggs in the nest were –“

“Jongdae!”

Before he could look up and say “what”, Baekhyun wrestles him down to the ground. The eaglehawk flies on.

“I saw it coming.”

“You saw it yet hasn’t done anything!” Baekhyun grits his teeth. “Did you go nuts? What if it catches you?”

“It won’t.”

True. It obviously likes Chanyeol better.

“Somebody help!” Chanyeol yelps as he lies on the ground, the camera clutched to his chest. The bird is circling over him and though it’s not a vulture, he has every reason to be afraid.

Kyungsoo comes to rescue again… as in he steps to Chanyeol and takes the camera out of his hands.

“We need to bring back something useful.”

Finally seeing enough, Kris opens the door of the car and beckons the four figures (three on the ground, one standing and recording) over.

“Into the car, now!”



“… therefore no more field work. We just sit here in the office and joining our forces make a nice report about that bird. Got it?”

Kyungsoo is busy with his notes, Chanyeol is massaging his arms and Jongdae is flipping through the pictures he has taken without a care for the world so Kris glances at Baekhyun, the only one actually paying attention, for confirmation.

Baekhyun sighs.

“Got it.”



“Is it just me or you have forgotten to mention you jump into danger without asking?”

Jongdae sighs.

Ever since they left Sydney Baekhyun hasn’t been talking about anything else but “when you see danger you run away from it not run for it” and “you should think of me at least if you can’t think of yourself”. He’s been angrier than Junmyeon which is something because their boss already made them promise to write five apology letters to the national park. (“One plus to the bird!”)

“It comes with the job. See, Soo and Yeol were the same.”

Baekhyun leans back in his seat so hard his head bounces back.

“It doesn’t make me worry less.”

Jongdae feels a bit apologetic so snuggles close and puts his head on Baekhyun’s shoulder.

“But it was fun, wasn’t it? And it’ll help to write your book.”

Baekhyun hums and putting his on top of Jongdae’s continues writing the page he has been working on.



“Where are the girls with garlands?”

“We’re roughly 5700 km from Hawaii, Chanyeol.”

Despite of the true words of Kyungsoo, their human dictionary (humanary, as Chanyeol likes to tease even if he gets a hit in the head) the little island of Vanuatu, Tanna, reminds Jongdae of Hawaii too – the see breeze, the smell of salt in the air are both familiar, just like the excitement he has felt then.

Baekhyun looks a lot more relaxed than he was during the six hours long flight.

“I hope we’ll have time to look around.”

“Sure we’ll have!” Chanyeol breaks into a grin as they wait for the car which takes them to the head office of Vanuatu Geo-Hazards Observatory. “I’ve packed my trunks and my binoculars –“

“Just after we’ve seen Mount Yasur.” Jongdae warns them. He packed his swimming trunks as well but came to look for another form of hotness than the one Chanyeol is craving for. “We’re here for work after all.”

Kyungsoo hums in agreement.



“Why are we visiting Mount Yasur by the way?”

Jongdae, Chanyeol, Kyungsoo and even their guide, “I’m Yixing, nice to meet you all” (who is surprisingly great at English, French and Bislama if we consider it’s been a year since he has moved from China) turns back in their seats to blink at Baekhyun questioningly.

The latter squirms under the sudden attention.

“Have I said something wrong?”

“Is it a surprise visit?” Yixing asks with a gentle smile as he maneuvers the car leisurely to the mountain.

“No, Baekhyunnie is just… not the knowledgeable type.”

Jongdae gets a did-you-just-called-me-stupid look in response but ignores it. Baekhyun was so frustrated because of the eaglehawk accident that he forgot to update himself on what’s next. He shall endure the consequences.

“He’s tagging along precisely.”

Baekhyun’s jaw drops at Kyungsoo’s remark.

“I’m a very useful part of this team, thank you very much.”

“Of course you are.” Chanyeol grins at him then exclaims loudly in lack of other encouragement. “Whoa, we’re here!”

Yixing parks the car on the side and the team steps out of the car excited.

“They say it’s really active lately.” Chanyeol whispers with twinkling eyes.

“When I went climbing Mount St. Helens with Minseok he told a lot about Yasur.” Jongdae agrees with the same level of giddiness. “According to him the latter is a bit better because it’s easier to access.”

Yixing laughs.

“You’re experienced, I see… Mount Yasur is indeed easy to access. It depends on the level though.”

“Level?”

Baekhyun looks from one naturalist to the other.

“Yeah, level.” Kyungsoo repeats carelessly while he’s scribbling down something. “As in something which grades activity.”

Baekhyun looks like he has another important question to ask but just before he could get to it, a loud boom sounds in the back, growling through the coast.

Jongdae sees the eruption of Baekhyun coming but he still winces when said person shrieks:

“We’re about to watch an active volcano?!”

Yixing beams at him.

“Yes. Isn’t this great?”

“It’s been active over 800 years. No need to freak out.” Kyungsoo speaks again when Baekhyun promptly grabs Jongdae’s arm in order not to collapse.

“Excuse me but the little geography which had stuck on me besides chalk during high school screams lava and death in my head!”

“It’s a stratovolcano. Its lava cools before it could reach-“ Jongdae shakes his head and from cold-blooded biologist switches to caring boyfriend mood. “We’re here. Yixing hyung is here… You’ll survive.”

Baekhyun shots him a dark look.

At least Jongdae tried.

“The levels also are to decide if we can go see it or not.” Chanyeol helps in but it’s a bit off because he’s looking at the mountain the way Jongdae looked at the landscape in Australia. “If it’s too dangerous, we can’t get a closer look… thankfully it’s not the case today.”

“Today is Level 1.” Yixing nods long. “Now, let’s get that closer look, shall we?”

Yixing should lead the way, since he knows the area best, but Chanyeol almost goes before him, his big form filled with even bigger enthusiasm launching him forward. Kyungsoo often slows down but catches up to them before he could get behind.

Jongdae and Baekhyun walk at the back, in a respectful distance, thanks to Baekhyun’s caution.

“Just in case Level 1 turns to Level 2.”

Jongdae would laugh at his antics but deciding he got enough teasing and shock for the day, takes Baekhyun’s hand and staying with him tries his best to distract.

“What do you like in nature, Baek’?”

(It’s something Jongdae is curious of anyway.)

“I like it when it’s still or at least peaceful.” Baekhyun answers a few seconds later, their hands swinging back and forth. “It might sound silly but… You know when cherry trees blossom and you get petals in your hair. Or when you look into a pond and watch how little crabs make their way in the mud. When frost makes patterns on your window during winter and you have all night to admire them.”

Jongdae feels like Baekhyun’s painting pictures in front of his eyes with words. He really should read one of his books (and then have a talk with Kyungsoo for criticizing it).

Baekhyun flashes a smile at him.

“Silly, right?”

“No, not the least. Nature has many faces.”

“What do you like about nature, Jongdae? Wait… We don’t have that much time. Then, is there something you don’t like about it?”

Jongdae uses their joined hands to jab Baekhyun in the ribs. The latter dodges it with a laugh in the last minute.

“I’ll answer both since I’m so generous… Nature can be admired because of its permanency but what I like the most about it that it always changes and it’s so strong, so full of life. Like this volcano for example. The power which fuels it under us is something we’ll never be able to comprehend, I think... Or the ocean. It seems like an enormous pond but the forces which are working in it keep its flora and fauna moving, always challenging and improving. And look at the ants! They’re so tiny yet so strong and have such a large yet working and well-organized society rarely other animals have.”

“Maybe that’s why we like each other.” Baekhyun interrupts in a warm voice. “I like peaceful beauties, like you and you like wild ones, like me.”

Jongdae meets his eyes and though it’s still sudden, early and brave (and cheesy); he wonders if ‘like’ is enough to describe what he feels right now.

“As for negativities, I don’t like it that nature is so easy to destroy.” He continues when Baekhyun doesn’t say anything more. “Like such beings as we humans are can leave such impact on nature… It’s unbelievable. I don’t doubt nature is powerful but I am worried about the future. Just like every biologist is.”

“When the last tree is cut down, the last fish eaten, and the last stream poisoned, you will realize that you cannot eat money.”

Jongdae grins.

“Impressive.”

“That’s the only relevant quote I could come up with actually.”

Their laugh makes a harmony which both of them relishes.

They almost reach the visitors’ area when Baekhyun speaks again.

“But really, are you not afraid of anything? That’s what I was curious of when I asked what you don’t like.”

“I’m afraid of a lot animals and natural phenomena but it doesn’t mean I dislike them.” Jongdae answers and tightens his grip on the other’s hand a little. “You should give a chance to Yasur too. It’s really pretty.”

Baekhyun rolls his eyes but something tells Jongdae he doesn’t have to worry about the writer falling into the crater anymore.

“Just in time!” Chanyeol exclaims when they meet again. A few tourists look at him disapprovingly but the tall cameraman couldn’t care less. “Yasur buddy has been just warming up.”

The crater is occupied by thick smoke and deep, rumbling sounds. Jongdae feels the power he was talking about and it’s overwhelming.

“Not bad.” Baekhyun comments. “I’ve never known eruption of a volcano can be watched from this close without burning down your feet… or head.”

“Your knowledge of nature always surprises me.” Kyungsoo (and his sarcasm) appears from behind a group of businessmen like a shadow. “Also, hands.”

Jongdae has no idea what nature has to do with hands but when Baekhyun’s fingers slip from his he gets it mortified.

“Thanks, Jongdae. If you haven’t held my hand I would have probably blacked out at the beginning.”

“Nah, it’s okay, Baekhyun. My job is to take care of you after all.”

Kyungsoo blends again into the crowd with a tired sigh. (He’s the shadow of cockblocking, no doubts.)

The two isn’t left alone for long though because Yixing approaches them.

“Is it possible Chanyeol-ssi likes fires and such? He keeps jumping around ever since we arrived.”

Yixing doesn’t look like a person who would ever freak out (if Jongdae is peaceful, Yixing is peace himself) but learning from the peril in Australia Jongdae decides it’s better if Yixing doesn’t know Chanyeol is a bit pyromaniac. (Always the one insisting on campfire and always the one who has a box of matches in all circumstances… Chanyeol is clearly in denial.)

“He’s a generally enthusiastic friend.”

Generally Enthusiastic Friend chooses this exact moment to run around with a burning stick in hand, emitting sounds which could put hyenas in shame.

Yixing blinks twice slowly. Jongdae pulls out his machine before they would get more into this conversation.

The visibility of the area worsens with time, making it impossible to shoot useful pictures. Jongdae switches his device off with a sigh after a good fifteen minutes.

It doesn’t stop Chanyeol from recording though.

“Look at that rock! It’s as big as my fist.”

Since Yixing is away taking a phone call, Kyungsoo is the only one around who can reprimand him.

“If that rock hits your camera, you won’t be this happy.”

“Pan is invincible.”

“As I know he wasn’t.”

Chanyeol gasps and brings a hand up to his heart.

“Who is Pan?” Baekhyun whispers curiously.

“Chanyeol named his camera after his last ferret which he named after watching The Golden Compass... Anyway, sad story, you don’t want to know more.” Jongdae whispers back cautiously.

“Okay, it was too much.” Kyungsoo takes it back at instant. “But you really should stop filming, ‘Yeol. Pan wants you to stay here for a while more.”

“But look at this! How could I stop when lava can come at any minute?”

“Lava can come at any minute!”

No, it’s not Chanyeol’s echo speaking. It’s Yixing running back with his phone in hand, eyes doubled and breathing heavy.

With the help of other tour guides tourists start to leave the crater.

“Isn’t this Level 1?” Jongdae asks confused.

“It was but it soon becomes Level 2. We must leave right now.”

“Level 2!”

Chanyeol looks like he could fly.

Kyungsoo deadpans.

The volcano indeed looks more active since they’ve come up to the summit, smoke and sounds are increasing.

But Chanyeol probably went deaf (which wouldn’t be so surprising by sounds like they hear now) because his feet remains glued to the ground and he’s intently looking in his camera still.

Baekhyun whines.

“Let’s go!”

“Yeah, let’s before –“

Yixing highly raised in pitch voice (hah he can freak out too after all) gets interrupted by a shining, light orange thing landing a few meters away.

Now this is Level 2.

“Oh my Attenborough that’s a lava bomb!”

Apparently Chanyeol’s having a naturegasm this time.

“Park Chanyeol, enough with this.” Kyungsoo steps next to him, confiscating the camera at the same time.

“Pan!”

“You come with us and it won’t loose a part.”

The giant whimpers and makes a few small steps away from the crater. Jongdae would think they’re finally fine and can leave but then Baekhyun screams next to him.

“Your foot is on fire!”

Everybody frantically checks their body. And who is the lucky winner?

Of course it can be only him.

“Fire!” Chanyeol yells, totally not being aware that though it is indeed fire but it’s on to damage his lower half.

Yixing moves from troubled to panicked.

“Oh my, oh my fire has occurred… What should I do now? Water, right? No, that can’t be used… Or it can’t be in the kitchen but can be in nature?”

Fortunately Baekhyun has already pulled out a bottle of water from his backpack and with the help of Kyungsoo (they work together like that’s what they’ve been doing for years whoa) they successfully save Chanyeol’s toes from roasting.

In the meantime Jongdae collects all their equipment and a barely alive Yixing (Attenborough, please, don’t let him pass out) to leave finally.

“Come on!”

The five of them run away from the crater, outside the summit zone. The tourists waiting there eye them weird for a second but then break into such applause Jongdae has only heard in badly recorded sitcoms.

A guide makes their way to the scrappy team astonished.

“That was the best performance I’ve seen in a while! Are you from the local theatre?”

Yixing comes back to being conscious.

“Use water! … We’re survived?”

Kyungsoo sighs.

“We could be.”

Baekhyun sneaks upon Jongdae and puts his chin on his shoulder.

“I shouldn’t say I’ve told you but… I’ve told you.”

Jongdae feels warm consuming him from under.

Damn, he should really get used to this.

“It wasn’t our fault. The observatory is to blame for not predicting well enough.”

“I don’t mind.” Chanyeol adds while checking if his camera is safe and sound. “Have never even thought about getting burnt by lava but it was amazing!”

The foreign guide takes a careful step back.

Yixing flashes him a smile.

“I keep everything in hand, don’t worry.”

“My ass.” Kyungsoo mumbles and Jongdae can’t help but agree.

Yixing catches it though and smirks.

“Except for that.”

Baekhyun, Jongdae and Chanyeol snicker in unison as Kyungsoo averts his eyes while a blush is creeping up on his neck.

Talking about blushes.

“Whoa, it’s still so hot here.” Jongdae speaks up when they get ready to walk back to the car.

Baekhyun snaps his head back and sniffs.

“I smell something burning.”

“We’re standing next to a volcano.” Yixing says matter-of-factly though his tone is still as warm as it could be.

Chanyeol joins Baekhyun in sniffing, making them look like two beagles searching for the prey.

“No, it smells different from that.” The former insists.

Jongdae squirms.

He hasn’t noticed before but his right foot feels a bit weird.

“You’re delusional.” Kyungsoo shakes his head and leans down to tie his shoelaces. He’s about to upend when. “Jongdae, why is your shoe smoking?”

Oh man.



“You can be glad your shoes are thick and we’ve found tiny and relatively cool lapilli in them.” The doctor explains them later that day in the emergency room. “You’ve suffered no injuries, Mr. Kim.”

Jongdae nods relieved. He guessed he won’t get burn like a torch (he couldn’t have missed that) but there is a destination ahead. It would have been hard to go on with a slightly burnt sole.

Baekhyun is sitting next to him exhausted.

“No more volcanoes. Not even passive ones.”

Kyungsoo pulls the phone - in which Junmyeon is having a mini heart attack - away from his ear.

“You mean ‘extinct’.”

Baekhyun answers with a glare.

Jongdae pats his hand comfortingly (again).

“I’m fine, see?”

“No.”

“Not even dormant ones?”

Yixing stand in a doorway, expression solemn.

“We shall only go until the summit zone tomorrow.”

“What? NO!” Chanyeol waves his limbs around then takes the stone from the table. “I need more of this… I can keep it, right, ‘Dae?”

“Of course.”

Baekhyun sighs.

“What have I got myself into?”





It became clear during organizing that flying to Alaska will be the longest, toughest and most tiring so the team made sure to sleep a lot before the day-long flight and to use their layover times well.

In Nadi Chanyeol could finally use his binoculars and Kyungsoo got so tanned during such short time he looked like a completely different person after he got back to the terminal. (“You look like a country kid.” “You still look like a bleach advertisement.”)

In Los Angeles they visited some famous restaurants and went Gordon Ramsay on every kind of food they ordered.

“That salad is so badly dressed it would even shock Lady Gaga!” Baekhyun flipped his hair out of his eyes.

“This chicken is blander than Kristen Stewart.” Jongdae shook his head disappointed.

“This mushroom is so raw it told me the princess is in another castle!” Chanyeol laughed.

Kyungsoo unsurprisingly chose another table to sit at and had a nice meal. (Unlike the other three who got thrown out in no time.)

In Seattle they just chilled in the terminal, totally worn out.

“How long?”

“Two hours and a half.” Jongdae answered Baekhyun while suppressing a yawn. Chanyeol and Kyungsoo were already passed out opposite to them. “Then we arrive to Juneau.”

Baekhyun puts his arms around his waist.

“Are you cold?”

“Hm.”

“You’ve had enough of a surprise in Tanna so let me tell you that it’s going to be even colder in Juneau. Not as cold as you can expect from Alaska since we go to the southeast panhandle but I hope you packed sweaters.”

“I did.”

Jongdae pulls him into a hug and rests his forehead against Baekhyun’s. He’s tired too but probably not as much as Baekhyun who’s not used to travelling so much and so far. Jongdae feels bad for him.

The question comes almost automatically.

“Do you regret you’ve decided to come with me?”

Baekhyun blinks languidly and sleepiness is hard to resist but he replies.

“A bit.”

Jongdae appreciates his sincerity even if he feels even worse by now.

“I’m glad we came.” Baekhyun continues in a drowsy voice. “I’ve only been outside Korea once when we visited relatives in Japan and I was seven that time. And Australia was pretty, the volcano on the V Island was fascinating and I’m looking forward to the tundra swan as well but…”

But what?

Jongdae itches to get the rest of the sentence out of the man by his side but Baekhyun’s even breathing tells him it’s not the time for that.

So at the end Jongdae just hugs Baekhyun tighter, letting his own eyelids close.

They need energy to spare anyway.



“If that’s the representative I’m Michael Jackson.”

Jongdae shares Chanyeol’s surprise because the local Junmyeon arranged to take care of them is a fair-skinned, blonde haired male with soft, though certainly Asian features.

“Ni hao.”

Also he only speaks Chinese.

What the Fungus.

“Ni hao. Um…” Even the usually collected Kyungsoo is taken aback. “Jongdae, your turn.”

Said male steps away from Baekhyun and lifts his hand for a (he deems) friendly wave.

“Hi. Um… We’re the team from Korea. The team sent by Junmyeon.”

As the (supposed to be) local’s eyes light up with joy Jongdae once again thanks his parents for letting him go to that exchange year during university. It has definitively paid off.

“Ah the team from Korea! I’m Luhan, your host during your stay here. Let me show you your accommodation.”

During the short walk Baekhyun pulls on the sleeve of Jongdae’s jacket.

“You speak Chinese?”

“Yes.”

“Whoa. Is there anything else I should know?”

“He’s never been into a bathhouse and has an incomprehensible fear of escalators.” Chanyeol pipes in as he catches up.

Thank you Nobody Asked You.

Baekhyun grins.

“No wonder you looked so stiff during our mall date.”

“Too much information.” Kyungsoo shouts back making Luhan startle and almost drop the keys.



Junmyeon’s rented a cozy cabin for them with two rooms, a kitchen and a bathroom. They have a living room as well but it’s so tiny they could barely fit a couch and a table in. None of them has complaints though – the four of them plus their host, Luhan, who insisted to have bonding time regardless the language barrier had spent quite a time the night crowding on the couch, discussing naturalist life and such … thankfully without alcohol (bless Alaska and its law) because otherwise Kyungsoo and Luhan would have killed each other the second global warming came out of the latter’s mouth.

“What did he say?”

“Um…”

“Translate, Jongdae.”

…

“Luhan ge said global warming is thre-“

“There is no such thing as global warming! Climate change is the deal… Jongdae, translate it to him.”

And Jongdae eventually did to which of course Luhan argued back (and called Kyungsoo a smart ass but that got lost in translation) and the whole global warming VS climate change topic turned into Kyungsoo VS Luhan at the end as the two of them were yelling at each other in their own language, the former bringing up their host’s questionable ancestry (“This piece of meat looks more Alaskan than you!”) and the latter not hesitating to draw attention to the Korean naturalist’s appearance and lack of knowledge (“Go back to high school, kid, you obviously hadn’t paid attention during geography!”). If Baekhyun and Chanyeol weren’t there to hold them back, it could have been turned into a fist fight.

The two had gotten a bit calmed after Chanyeol changed the topic (“Whoa, you’re so strong, Lu hyung, I should go to the gym more… How much do you work out?”) but Jongdae was still reluctant to go up to his room when Baekhyun said they should call it a night. What if there by morning comes one of them will be richer with a broken nose? But Baekhyun was persistent and trusting Chanyeol’s social skills they finally went to bed.

Which brings us to where currently we are, next morning.

“Baekhyun.”

“Five more minutes.”

“You should see this.”

The fight for the room with balcony was great but thanks to Baekhyun’s surprisingly sneaky poker skills - which took place before chaos broke out - at the end Chanyeol and Kyungsoo had to take the room downstairs. (Kyungsoo has sworn he gets his revenge... Nothing unusual.)

Jongdae watches the Auke Lake and its calm water mesmerized. He wonders if the swans he has last seen a year ago are there or not. A few females (pens) were hatching their eggs that time. Those are probably swans as well now.

He’s so deep in thought that Baekhyun’s arms on his waist almost make him trip over.

“Easy.”

“Don’t creep upon me then.”

“I’m not that scary.” Baekhyun murmurs, a lot more awaken. “Are you ready?”

Jongdae chuckles and puts his hands on his.

“That’s something I should ask.”

“I’m ready when you are.”

Baekhyun’s words sound like he means more behind them but Jongdae is not sure. The unfinished sentence from Seattle is still going around his head. He said he regretted coming after all…

But Jongdae just leans back in the embrace. He’s too much of a coward to ask the question once more.

“It’s going to be a long day.”

“Really?”

“Yes. We don’t have to go far, swans swim in this lake but the observation time will be long… Last time we spent a day just watching them and I’m sure since then the population has just grown bigger.”

Baekhyun’s arms tighten around his waist for a second as a warning but Jongdae is still taken aback when Baekhyun spins him around and leans close.

“What?”

“You say whole day… and tomorrow and maybe even after that will be swan-watching with Chanyeol and Kyungsoo.”

“Yes?”

That’s what they came here for, right?

Hearing the reply, Baekhyun inches closer until their noses touch. The proximity is uncomfortable for Jongdae’s eyes but instead of shutting them how Baekhyun does, Jongdae panics and clearing his throat, steps away from the railing.

“I think Luhan ge is calling for us.”

He escapes from the room so fast; he totally misses the disappointed look in his boyfriend’s eyes.

Downstairs Jongdae takes a deep breath, trying to calm down his racing heart. He really doesn’t want to think about what he did and why he did that and for his luck time is none for thinking because the rest makes it to the ground floor too.

“Luhan hyung told us there’s a great population of cutthroat trouts in the lake.” Chanyeol says instead of good morning.

“Population of what?”

Baekhyun goes to stand by Jongdae but the latter is still not over what has just happened, so shrinks away to create some distance.

“Oncorhynchus clarkii.”

“I’d really appreciate if you spoke in a living language.”

“A fish.” Kyungsoo rolls his eyes then turns to Jongdae. “We’ll go to find an O. c. alvordensis.”

Jongdae gasps.

“But it’s considered extinct.”

“Two fishermen swear they’ve seen something different from usual.” Luhan joins in, entering the cabin. “Good morning.”

The sudden change in language reminds Jongdae of what Chanyeol has said before.

“Wait, how did you communicate?”

“Common interest works miracles.” Kyungsoo shrugs, visibly less negative than the night before.

Luhan grins.

“Chanyeol’s body language is awesome.”

Jongdae doesn’t want to know more.

“We build up the blind together as we have planned, Jongdae.” Chanyeol takes over enthusiastically. “Just after that will we separate… and we reunite in the evening.”

Jongdae is still doubtful a bit about this idea (Junmyeon wouldn’t even let them think about it if he was present) but his colleagues look so eager, so determined he can’t say no.

“Okay. Let’s do it.”


You’d think getting the perfect shot is all about going for it, running after it, swimming down for it – but that’s just one side of the process. There are certain animals which can’t be cornered just like that or in order to watch them in their natural habitat it’s better to hide and stay still.

Jongdae has learnt tundra swans belong to the latter category. They are pretty gregarious, never swim alone and the tiniest disturbance, especially caused by humans, can make them either aggressive (in breeding season is the hardest to record) or so frightened you’ll never be able to catch a glimpse of them again.

That’s why the four of them (Luhan went running errands to Auke Bay) are in the middle of building a blind which can make them invisible enough to get what they want.

“I think you should bring a bigger lath.”

“You do?”

“Yeah that won’t be enough.”

Jongdae watches with a smile on his face as Baekhyun observes the creature thoughtfully. While Chanyeol is responsible for creating the skeleton (he has the nickname ‘MacGyver’ for a reason), he and Kyungsoo are making the skin. In lack of other thing to do, Baekhyun took over the role of the designer.

And he takes it so seriously it’s endearing.

“Tell me about him.”

“Hm?”

It was like Kyungsoo was speaking to him but…

“How did you two meet?” He indeed was. “Please, spare me with the I-don’t-know-him-façade.”

Jongdae pouts but obeys. It’s not like anybody besides Junmyeon has bought it anyway.

“Two months ago.”

Kyungsoo stops sewing for a second.

“You mean you’ve been dating for two months or –“

“’I’ve met Baekhyun two months ago. We had four dates before I brought him home and I didn’t even know he’s a writer until that night. I’d agreed to bring him to this journey after our eighth date, without knowing anything about him besides his name, occupation, address and appearance.”

Jongdae reaches for another piece of canvas with a racing heart. He finally let it all out… it’s nothing to be proud of but at least he doesn’t feel bottled up anymore. And he knows now why he jerked away from Baekhyun in the morning too or at any other times he tried to step a level up.

He forgot to think.

“You don’t have to be ashamed because of that.”

“I’m not ashamed but it’s… Ouch!” Jongdae pulls the needle out of his finger then quickly licks over the wound. “I’ll go and get a band aid.”

“We’re not finished!” Kyungsoo shouts after him but his colleague shuts him out.

Jongdae’s hand trembles as he reaches inside the first aid kit they carry around all the time. How could he have been totally fine with this? How could he drag Baekhyun around so carelessly? This… is not how it should be. They should have went on a gazillion dates until they know each other like they know the back of their hand, when they have no doubts anymore this will work, when they’re both sure this is worth to continue…

This is just too rushed. It’ll end as sudden as it has started.

By they take the blind to the water, Jongdae feels devastated that Chanyeol and Kyungsoo have to search for the fishes, leaving the two of them alone.

“It looks like a giant snowball rather than a swan.” Baekhyun admires their handiwork.

“We’re more scientists than artists.” Jongdae shrugs awkwardly and waves goodbye to his colleagues. “Find some alvordensis for me!”

Chanyeol waves back with a heavy backpack on his shoulder.

“Challenge accepted!”

Kyungsoo looks at him concerned before he disappears from sight too. Jongdae tries not to think too much of it.

When it’s only two of them on the coast, Baekhyun turns to Jongdae expectantly.

“So, what now?”

“Well, I’ll go and start the observation. You can… work on your book.”

“Huh?”

Before Baekhyun could go further with asking, Jongdae spins around and holding his equipment enters the lake.

Fitting inside the build is easier than Jongdae has originally thought. He even has space to move his shoulders and neck if they get cramped.

He looks into the lenses just when a pair of swans swims that way. Their feathers are sparkling in the bright sunlight and they look so peaceful… A pair leans towards each other and Jongdae’s heart hurts.

Baekhyun will say goodbye as soon as their feet land on the ground of South Korea. Or he will say goodbye to him because this is just nonsense but anyway, they will separate. This vacation wasn’t a smart idea.

“Damn, I’ve told Chanyeol to build it bigger.”

The sudden movement of the canvas startles Jongdae so much he almost drops his camera.

“W-what are you doing here?”

Baekhyun squirms his way forward. The swan-like thing might be big enough for one person but for two it’s quite crowded (and dangerous).

“Helping you.” The reply comes naturally.

Jongdae looks at him and their noses bump. This is not helping at all, he thinks as he gets an up-close view of Baekhyun’s face.

“Okay, I obviously had other intentions too.” Baekhyun smirks, fingers coming up to get a hold of his boyfriend’s face. “It would have been a waste to miss this opportunity.”

The idea is inviting, more than ever has been and Jongdae has a hard time looking at the floating swans instead of the way Baekhyun’s lips waver.

“I’m working.”

“Yes but that’s what you do all the time. You need relax.”

Jongdae has no time to form any kind of protest because Baekhyun doesn’t hesitate and following his words leans it to kiss him sweetly.

Accompanied by the swans’ honking calls the scenario is romantic enough to make Jongdae erase all thoughts from his head, leaving space for feeling, instead of thinking.

Baekhyun doesn’t hold back, he cups Jongdae’s cheeks in his hands and kneads the flesh there with his thumbs gently. He slants his head a bit to get a better access and Jongdae’s can’t help but hum contently while his hands settle on Baekhyun’s shoulders as their kiss deepen.

Jongdae eventually looses count how long they were going at it but when Baekhyun nibbles on his lower lip, Jongdae remembers what they’re doing, where they are and what he should do instead, so leans back with such vehemence, the swan-blind almost topples over.

“Whoa.” Baekhyun murmurs, eyes sparkling. “Thinking about I was missing out on this since our fourth date is painful.”

“Actually I want to talk with you about that.”

Jongdae doesn’t want to turn hysteric but his tone rises in pitch and Baekhyun’s brows to furrow.

“Go on?”

“This… How should I phrase it?” He continues while checking if the swans are still there or not from the corner of his eye. Thankfully they are. “Reckless? We haven’t known each other for that long, Baekhyun. But I dragged you to this trip, around the world for months, with no choice but being with me… This shouldn’t be okay.”

The corners of Baekhyun’s mouth curl up, indicating he’s a hair away from laughing. Jongdae doesn’t understand. They’re on the verge of breaking up in the middle of a lake in Alaska, surrounded by territorial swans, there’s nothing funny in this!

“Do you want to know the reason why I insisted to accompany you to this trip so much?”

“You’re working on a book about explorers?”

“No.”

“You needed vacation anyway?”

“Yes and no.” Baekhyun sighs and leans black close with a fond look in his eyes. “I’ve wanted to come to make you do something reckless. You’re playing too safe, Jongdae.”

Now this is ridiculous, Jongdae thinks with a scoff.

“You’ve seen me climbing a leopardwood tree in seconds and getting close to an active volcano without one thought of fear. My life is fueled by danger.”

“Your work is fueled by danger but otherwise you’re really slow.”

“No, I’m-“

“Need examples? We’ve had four dates without holding hands. I usually hold hands after getting to the conclusion ‘I like this guy’ and I’ve liked you after ten seconds, Jongdae, so imagine, how hard it was for me to adapt to you. I was over the clouds when you brought me home that night and let me kiss you.”

Jongdae squirms.

“If I’ve known it was this hard for you…”

“I’m not complaining. I really like you.” Baekhyun pecks his lips once. “But I’ve decided that night our relationship needs something huge and totally random to make it comfortable for both of us and your job came in handy. I mean, you might realize you can live just as dangerous as you do when you work.”

“I failed, right?”

“What do you think? Do you enjoy being on this journey with me?”

This is a question Jongdae doesn’t have to think long to get the answer to it.

With Baekhyun by his side, exploring and experiencing has felt different but different in a good way. Jongdae preferred to go alone to places (sometimes even nagged when he was put into a team with Chanyeol and Kyungsoo) but now he has learnt what it means to share what you enjoy with somebody, how it lifts you up and also the one you are with… that our world is only wonderful if you have somebody to share with.

“Yes. Do you?”

“It is too soon to say ‘I do’, isn’t it?” Baekhyun wiggles his eyebrows and they laugh. “It’s been the best kind of vacation I’ve had a long time. However…”

Jongdae’s breath hitches. No way Seattle comes in the picture again, they’ve just arrived to the happy times.

“What?”

“I’m indignant we haven’t had enough time for romance.”

…

“Oh Attenborough, you’re such a sap!”

Jongdae doesn’t pull back when Baekhyun kisses him again, instead molds into his embrace as much as the blind lets him… talking about the blind.

“Jongdae.”

“Hm?”

“One of the swans…” Baekhyun stops for a second because thinking is hard when his boyfriend has finally given in to some action. “It seems like it’s diving.”

Jongdae chuckles into his neck.

“They can’t go down to the supermarket, you know? They have to work hard to get their meal.”

“Yeah but the fish it goes for is really weird-looking…”

Weird means special in Jongdae’s naturalist vocabulary so he turns around as quick as he can.

The swan just in front of the blind is holding a fish in its beak. For first look it seems like a cutthroat trout but for a second look, it is indeed weird.

“That might be an alvordensis.”

“You mean the extinct fish Chanyeol and Kyungsoo is looking for?” Baekhyun almost tosses Jongdae outside as he hurries over to take a look. “What do you do if an endangered animal is about to eat another endangered animal? ... Jongdae.”

As the writer looks up from the camera, he finds the blind suddenly spacious.

“Jongdae!”





“It’s a simple clarkii.”

“Fungus… Achoo!”

Baekhyun holds up a tissue for his boyfriend with a tired look.

“You shouldn’t have dived down for it.” Kyungsoo continues. “Alvordensis is considered extinct since forever basically… Luhan hyung’s fishermen were probably drunk.”

“We’re in Alaska, remember?” Luhan warns. Since Chanyeol has taught him some basic Korean (like drunk for example), he can finally argue with Kyungsoo properly.

Jongdae tightens his grip on the blanket around him with a smile.

“I’m fueled by danger.”

“We all are.” Chanyeol agrees with a beam as he puts more salt on the roasted trouts.



* * *

At the end Baekhyun did wrote a book titled “Naturegasm – sexier as it sounds”. His editor hated him for the title and Junmyeon wasn’t super glad either that the society gives his name to a book like that but it sold out pretty soon. It may have to do with Kyungsoo writing a not-so-neutral article about it.

Jongdae… well, he still tries to be a thinker. Not when he’s climbing trees, swimming in seas, rescuing ducklings on the road or falls in love but he thinks it’s okay. Sometimes it’s okay not to think. Otherwise he wouldn’t have got this job, met friends such as Chanyeol and Kyungsoo… or met Baekhyun either.

Otherwise this world wasn’t as wonderful as it is.

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