Chapter Text
"Raon, Ohn, Hong" Cale yelled into the courtyard, gaining everyone's attention. The three kids came scrambling to their guardian quickly after "would you like to come to see the Marquis Stan with me?" he asked.
Raon and Hong giggled like they knew something, Ohn just nodded enthusiastically.
"young master? you didn't inform me you were going anywhere." Ron appeared out of nowhere, making Cale flinch.
"I did, at lunch I said I had errands to run."
"at the marquis estate?" Rosalyn asked, narrowing her eyes in effort as she tried to see any crack in Cale's mask.
"yes. i was going to go alone, but figured the children might want to say hello" Cale answered raising an eyebrow at Rosalyns scrunched up face
the mage and Beacrox exchanged glaces, Choi-han, sadly, was focused on training. Cale would be able to more accurately gauge the three's theories if he was paying attention.
"ill be leaving now, and ill be home before midnight" he grabbed the small case sitting by his feet and was about to start walking when Rosalyn stopped him
"dont get into trouble, dont get hurt, dont over exert yourself" everyone nodded at her words, except Cale of course who rolled his eyes
"i have the great and might Raon Miru, along with the Molan heirs with me, if anything happens while out running errand im blaming the God of Death, and having Cage curse him for me" he responded, freeing himself from the encounter by continuing into the set up teleportation circle and disappearing.
Choi-han finally piped up "since when was it just "Cage" and not "Miss Cage "?"
Eruhaben thought for a moment "it was a rather recent development," he glanced over at Ron, smiling "right?"
Ron nodded, not saying anything. He knew what was actually happening, how could he let someone court his young master without proper approval. The Marquis had come to Deruth and asked for his blessing. It was just accidental that Ron just so happened to coincidentally be in the other room preparing tea for their guest. He was totally not listening into their conversation once he heard Cale's name mentioned, that would be rude.
Of course he didn't intend to tell anyone about it until it was revealed by the puppy young master, he deserves privacy. But Eruhaben-nim was nothing if not convincing when it came to matters concerning Cale. The dragon-nim promised he would say anything and Ron believed him.
so he just smiled, pouring a glass of lemonade for the gold dragon as they watched the three try to puzzle out what's going on.
Of course Ron didn't know the whole story, the bet remained a mystery to everyone but the kids, and now Alberu much to Cale's dismay. but it was a necessary sacrifice. Better to have Alberu working with him then against him. At least he had only asked to watch one performance.
***
Cale could feel his eye twitching like hell. He tried to breath, inhaling through his nose, exhaling through his mouth. Then he caught sight of Alberu again and his calm mind was thrown out the window in favor of plotting his revenge.
Alberu was fully aware that he'd been spotted, he felt Dominating Aura leaking off of Cale. Cale's glare could split stone when he was angry, and currently that glare was directed at him.
He decided his predicament couldn't get worse, so he waved at Cale from his place at the corner table.
Cale smiled at him, the kind he knew sent shivers down his Hyungs spine. He turned towards Taylor who tried not to make eye contact as Cale's vicious glare was suddenly pointed at him.
Cale slid the backstage curtain shut, deciding they weren't worth the effort or anger. He didn't like being watched, being onstage, but if his family was going to sit and watch him, he was going to make them part of his show. 'this is payback'
before his show started he quietly talked with the band informing them of the change, he quickly ran over his loose mental stage directions with accompanied lyrics. he had planned to first sing this song in privet, one of those delightfully domestic moment he occasionally shared with Taylor. But seeing as Taylor didn't stop his Hyung, or at least tell him what was happening, he wanted to surprise him, for good or bad.
He walked on stage with the same confidence as usual. acting as if nothing had changed, when the lights dimmed -leaving only him in the spotlight- was when he saw the confusion set in. he let out a long sigh relaxing into his role
Then the music started, he swayed side to side. watching as the curiosity formed on his partner's face. Cage just seemed confused, Alberu was amused, but Taylor looked at him with cautious infringement, it was endearing to see him trying to figure out Cale's plan
he stepped up to the microphone, lacing his fingers on top of it as he started to sing
I steal a few breaths from the world for a minute
He kept beat gently tapping his foot on the ground. He did his best not to make eye contact with anyone, it felt like everywhere he looked he saw his people.
And then ill be nothing forever
the absent chatter of the bar died down completely as he sang that line
and all of my memories, and all of the things i have seen
record, as useful an ability it was some days he just wished he could get rid of it. Cale shut his eyes trying to calm his mind before anything specific could resurface.
Will be gone with my mind, with my body, with me
he didn't open his eyes but the silence of the bar spoke louder than any expression he could see. He'd guess Rosalyn was hit hard by that line, thinking of just how much knowledge had been lost to time, simply because it wasn't recorded.
But me and my husband, we are doing better, it's always been just him and me together.
he opened his eyes, immediately glancing in Taylor's direction. They locked eyes, it was an intense gaze but he wouldn't be the first one to turn away. So instead he stretched a hand out toward the blond man and continued singing.
So i bet all i have on that furrowed brow
he pulled his hand back pressing it to his heart and only then did Taylor break eye contact, turning away to hide his blush and resting his head on his hand half covering his face in embarrassment.
'how cute' Cale couldn't help but smile.
so at least in this lifetime we're sticking together, me and my Husband we're sticking together
A few onlookers started to connect the dots and gasped. He had always flirted with Taylor on stage, but then again he toyed with everyone. Until now he'd never made it obvious who his love songs were for.
and i am the idiot with the painted face, in the corner taking up space
no one he knew liked that lyric, the detective trio all looked up at him with concern, like even if he wasn't Cale he shouldn't think like that.
Alberu's smile vanished immediately and he watched with a face that was trying to figure out if Cale believed what he was saying.
Taylor whipped his head up with a concerned look that met Cale's eyes immediately. His gaze softened, seeing Cale descend the stairs with a real (from what he could tell) smile still on his face.
but when he walks in, i am loved, i am loved~
he had to focus pausing at the bottom of the stair to be able to get the emphasis he wanted on the lyrics. The bar was completely silent by now, only the music and his voice were heard. It made him even more aware of how he sounded.
me and my husband we are doing better
The bar stayed quiet as he wove around tables and chairs for once ignoring his disguised family who watched his every move
he avoided looking at Taylor until about half way when he looked up to see the blond man looking completely awestruck. It was the same way he looked when he saw Cale sing for the first time. Standing stock still, his mouth slightly opened, unable to tear his eyes away.
It's always been just him and me together. So i bet all i have on that furrowed brow
He walked slowly and carefully, keeping eye contact before he met Taylor at the bar.
Taylor was already standing and pulled him over as soon as he was in arms reach, holding him close. hands resting at the small of his back. just breathing, steady and grounding. It was enough to calm what little nerves had stirred having everyone's eyes on him
at least in this lifetime were sticking together
Almost everyone in the bar seemed to realize just how close their relationship was. even Choi-han Beacrox and Rosalyn realized just how "in love" they were.
Well Eros and Taylor, Cale would never do this sort of giant public display of affection, unless it was for petty reasons. which this was. It's not that he didn't love Taylor, he did, but being all lovey dovey just wasn't his style.
me and my husband were sticking together
he pressed his forehead to Taylors, still putting on a show about it, but no longer caring if it was believable. What started as a petty revenge turned into a genuine love song. And if that didn't prove how much Cale cared about Taylor, he didn't know what would. Almost no one could get out of his revenge schemes
me and my husband we are doing better
he let the microphone rest at his side and closed his eyes momentarily forgetting about all of the eyes on them. He felt safe, here, with Taylor. And Cage and Alberu of course. This is what he wanted, to just be surrounded by his family. Well not THIS this, he'd much rather be at home, but he was -as much as he hated to admit- starting to enjoy this little performance.
"You're enjoying this," Taylor whispered.
he felt his face heating up but ignored it "I will never admit it out loud." he responded.
he broke away from Taylor and returned to the stage bowing deeply before heading offstage followed quickly by Cage's spiel
Taylor met him backstage. "what was that about?" he was grinning ear to ear.
"Just something i wrote, i wasn't gonna sing it originally, it was to Lovey Dovey for my taste." he fiddled with the clasp on his necklace, more fidgeting than actually trying to take it off. "but i got angry after seeing Hyung-nim and blamed you for not telling me"
"i couldnt really deny him"
"you could as a friend"
Taylor opened his mouth but stopped and sighed instead. "you make a good point. im sorry, i should have told you"
"thank you for the apology, now please help me get this tacky jewelry off"
Taylor laughed, gently moving Cale's hair out of the way so it wouldn't get caught in the chain. "for what its worth," he started "i loved the song."
Cale huffed, "i had a feeling you would, then again-"
"you love ever song i write"
"i love every song you write"
they spoke in unison. Taylor unclasped the necklace and handed it to Cale.
"Next time you visit i should have a surprise ready" he kissed his partner on the cheek. "Now why not you go home before everyone gets-"
"concerned, yes i know" he returned the kiss on the cheek and then waved as he headed out the door.