Luhan’s not sure what brought about such a change of emotions, but he knows that it isn’t exactly unwelcome. It is a foreign topic to him, being able to show such things in front of others, but Jaejoong has become one that Luhan doesn’t necessarily mind opening up around, and the elder is one he finds immense comfort in. With Jaejoong’s easily given smiles, to his kind demeanour and lovely personality, down to the quirks and tidbits that made Jaejoong, Jaejoong, it was hard not to be at ease around the feline.
With such thoughts, it doesn’t bother him the least bit when he’s tugged into a close hold, with the feline’s cheeks pressed against his own. In fact, Luhan quite melts into the touch, an unsure smile twitching across his lips that quickly becomes content. His tail waves lazily behind him in a display of happiness, and he shuffles closer to the other in order to have them lean on one another. His eyes alight with excitement at the prospect Jaejoong offers, and he nods against he other, humming in thought.
“I agree, and even if I’m younger, I’m not exactly one of the newer ones either. I’m already 22 as it is, and in spring I’ll age another year,” he muses thoughtfully, brushing his thumb unconsciously over the elder’s knuckles. “Even if they don’t know how to deal with you, I’m sure someone will come along and see you for who you really are. How could they not love you? You’re kind, genuine, and a true inspiration, you’re thoughtful and caring, and…and…” he takes a breather and blinks, noting that he’s caught himself in the midst of yet another ramble.
“Ah, sorry…” he apologises sheepishly, though he perks up at the other’s last few words. It sends the younger into thought for a short while, though the silence isn’t uncomfortable as he’s left to his thoughts. He speaks after a while, his voice sure and steady. “I think you’re right. After all, for all the evil that exists, there has to be some good, right? I don’t mean to feel so pessimistic,” he mumbles dejectedly, letting their clasped hands fall between them, “but I wish I could see for myself. I’m so curious, but I’m afraid too. I think I’d just prefer staying here with you and Chaejin,” he smiles softly.
Jaejoong chuckles, the sound growing from small reverberations in his chest to into a more pronounced laugh as amusement bleeds through the content. He can’t help but to pull himself from the simple yet extraordinary comfort that comes from their easy physical contact which he continues to maintain, because Luhan talking as though he’s old certainly makes Jaejoong feel. . . well. Quite old. He keeps his tongue in check from teasing at Luhan, surely the fact that he’s laughed at the other enough for the younger to understand the feline’s humor.
The laugh mellows out again though, the inclination to fall into a purr warming through him once again at all the endearing words Luhan describes the elder with. Jaejoong isn’t sure what to say in reply to that, such high praise and from someone he valued in return, he can’t quite think of words to describe his thankfulness for Luhan’s care towards him. Instead, the purr finally manifests, if its only for a short few seconds before he’s interrupted by having to think again. This conversation could die quite quickly if Jaejoong just allowed himself to dissolve into that melty gooeyness that filled his stomach whenever he let his purring take over.
“I won’t be disappointed by a future of staying here with those I care for, with those like you and Chaejin-ah. And I wouldn’t call you pessimistic either Hannie,” he says, sweeping his free hand upwards to pet his fingers through the younger’s hair, his eyes unfocused but filled with the emotion of sincerity. “It wouldn’t be fair to discount the things the others have been through. . . It makes you a good friend to all of us, for not neglecting to remember even the things that aren’t so pretty. I. . . will admit its something I sometimes try not to think about. . .”
Sighing with a small chuckle, though this time the sound is more self deprecating than amused, Jaejoong leans forwards to pull the fox into a hug, needing it for his own comfort.
“I’m glad you liked the gift dongsaeng,” he tells the younger, pulling away from the hug and diverting himself from a topic that will dampen his thoughts. “There shouldn’t be any colds caught this year, not if you all wear my gifts when you go out. Take turns even, and bundle yourself one at a time in all of them combined, I don’t want to see anyone suffering an illness this winter, alright?”