Chapter Text
Taeui was finally discharged a few days later. Although he still lingered around Ilay, he no longer clung to him. He also ate and showered by himself. (Much to Ilay’s dissatisfaction)
But storms often hid beneath calm waters.
Taeui was plagued by dreams— no. Nightmares. He would jerk awake every night, drenched in sweat with his heart rattling in his chest. He would search for the man in those nightmares, only being able to calm down when he found him.
Ilay, of course, knew. So he stayed. Even though Taeui had never let word slip about those nightmares. He remained beside Taeui silently, determined to never let him wake up alone again.
After becoming so familiarised with the cold, empty room, parts of Taeui still behaved as though he had never truly left. Sometimes he would suddenly fall silent, eyes unfocused and distant. He would move carefully as if there were invisible chains bound to him.
To Taeui, the house in Berlin had somehow become far too large.
Taeui never left his room except to eat. He still talked and smiled with Rita, Kyle, and Peter, but he no longer laid behind the couch.
He didn’t help Peter with gardening. He didn’t even leave to play with the neighbours’ kids he adored so much.
His absence was deafening.
Ilay adjusted to Taeui, always just steps behind wherever he went. For Taeui, he would be patient. Until he was finally ready to shed those scars and be set free.
And until that day came, Ilay would sooner let the world burn than abandon him.
—
Kyle’s POV:
Ever since Tay entered his house, every day was different. He watched Peter slowly get caught in Tay’s orbit. Even Rita seemed to have taken a liking to Tay.
When his younger brother had the world tearing itself apart over Jeong Taeui’s disappearance, he couldn’t help but wonder just which suicidal idiot had the guts to anger Crazy Rick.
Imagine his surprise when the Kim Yeongsoo turned out to be him..
Honestly, Kyle had fully prepared himself to see Tay as a corpse the next time he saw him. Instead, he received the biggest shock of his life when he heard his voice over the phone when he had called Ilay to ask about him.
But that was nothing compared to what he witnessed after…he genuinely thought hell had frozen over..
His younger brother, who killed anyone that annoyed him even a little, was smiling…at Jeong Taeui. Tay talked back and cussed at him. He even pushed Ilay around!
…Yet, his brother merely laughed before poking back at him.
Over the years, he saw them grow closer than ever. He watched Ilay soften only for Tay. He saw Tay worrying for Ilay even when everyone else wanted him dead instead.
He saw clearly just how much Ilay cherished Tay.
So when Ilay had returned with Tay, he expected anything but silence. The moment Kyle had opened his mouth to ask Tay about it, Ilay had stepped in front of him with a cold stare.
Then he simply led Tay into their room with Ivan and Mark left behind to explain the situation.
Over the next few days, he did everything he could to help Tay, but nothing seemed to reach him. It was like the only person he actually saw was his brother.
And there it was again, the unbelievable sight before him as Ilay tailed Tay around.
He never pried at Tay’s silence, never demanding. It was like he was waiting…?
But then again, Ilay Riegrow had never been known for patience, so what was it, really?
—
Taeui’s POV:
He could feel it. The way everyone seemed to be walking on eggshells around him, never talking loud, the lingering stares. God he hated it.
The only one who was normal was the man stealing his beer right now…
Taeui knew that Ilay was waiting, following him around silently. But he had always been like that whenever they had nothing to do.
They would laze around the house, go swimming, and go for walks on days where the weather was particularly good. But now, all Taeui wanted to do was to stay in his room with Ilay.
He knew that he needed to face that nightmare eventually, but for now…he thought he would be okay.
As long as Ilay was by his side.
.
~A month later~
Christmas was around the corner and it was almost time for the T&R reunion. Ilay had been adamant on staying in Berlin, so the Special Task Force decided to bring it to him instead.
They’ve been wanting to see Tay, after all.
The night before Alain and the others arrived, Taeui had actually been looking forward to seeing them. He wanted to thank them for coming for him.
But Taeui got worse as the temperature dropped. It reminded him all too much about that cold, lonely room.
And as he worsened, so did the nightmares.
Standing before the bathroom mirror, he touched his cheek and grimaced at the shadows beneath his eyes and his pale skin.
“Taei.” A whisper, yet he heard it all so clearly anyway.
Ilay was leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed, wearing nothing but a pair of shorts that stopped right above his knee.
With a quiet sigh, he stepped forward and pulled Taeui closer by the back of his neck.
Ilay leaned in,“What are you thinking so hard about, hm?” His breath ghosting against Taeui’s lips as he guided his head upward.
He stayed silent, simply staring into the eyes filled with unmistakable fondness. He reached a hand up to rest on Ilay’s arm.
Beneath the dim lights, they stood close enough to count each other’s lashes. Taeui’s eye flickered downwards for a split second, but that was all Ilay needed.
A smirk tugged at his lips as he tilted his head, retreating enough just to tease..
“Hm..?”
Taeui frowned, tightening his grip on Ilay. His hands slid higher, “Ilay,” he said softly.
Fingers on his neck shifted slightly, goosebumps rising across Taeui’s skin as a pale hand moved to hold Taeui’s waist.
Not pulling, but just there.
A shaky breath escaped Taeui as his eyes wavered. The world around them faded as they became absorbed in each other.
“Talk to me, Taei.” Ilay’s gentle voice made the knot in his chest loosen immediately.
Taeui’s hands raised to cup Ilay’s face, drawing him nearer. “Mm..” He hummed.
Their breaths mingled in the narrow space between them. Ilay brushed their lips together lightly, eyes never leaving Taeui’s.
Those grey-black eyes looked as though he could see through Taeui’s very soul, and he would gladly surrender it to Ilay…
Everything, if it meant he could remain in this warmth just a little longer.
.
.
.
Finally, Taeui closed the gap.
As their lips connected, Ilay pulled him closer. He pressed firmly into Taeui, making him gasp.
Ilay’s tongue slipped into his mouth as a hand entered his shirt. The warm palm travelling up his back made Taeui tremble as he tilted his head in an attempt to get even closer.
Their tongues tangled. Ilay explored inside his mouth, crowding Taeui against the sink as the other hand slipped under his shirt to grab at his waist.
Pushing at his shoulders, Taeui tried to gasp for air but Ilay only pushed impossibly closer. His adventurous tongue never letting up.
Taeui’s mind began to cloud over as he was deeply kissed, trembling in pleasure. He was slowly forgetting what had gotten him so agitated earlier.
A strangled moan escaped from his throat when he felt a knee nudge between his legs.
He clutched at Ilay’s shoulders, “..haa, Ilay…wait,” turning his head away. Lips moved to nip at his neck, the knee pressing harder. “Ah..!”
Strong arms pulled him flush against a warm body, making the monstrous thing press on to Taeui’s thigh.
“Taeui…” A raspy voice beside his ear, and then teeth bit down.
“Ow..what are–!”
A hand slipped into Taeui’s pants, “..Ilay, w..wait a moment,” then it paused.
“Hmm?” Ilay hummed, mouth never stopping as it moved below his reddened ear.
Taeui gripped at silver hair, pulling him away. “...Hey, I need to be able to walk tomorrow..”
Ilay stared for a long while, displeased at being reminded of the intruders tomorrow.
Then he clicked his tongue, “..fine,” before continuing his ministrations below. Exposing Taeui’s part, he kissed Taeui again then dropped to his knees.
“I..Ilay?!” Taeui exclaimed in shock.
He pulled the rest of Taeui’s pants down, a hand gripping the back of his thigh while the other slithered up to pinch a nipple.
Taeui grabbed at the wrist on his chest as he gasped, feeling a wet tongue lick him from base to tip.
“Haa..! Ha…” Short breaths escaped from Taeui. He looked down, only to see Ilay already staring at him, a faint smirk on his lips as he stroked his cock.
The heat in his stomach surged.
“Il–ay…hnnngh!,” Taeui’s nails dug into the pale arm as warmth enclosed around him, sucking hard.
The tongue traced the veins on his cock, sending shivers down his spine. He curled over Ilay’s head, moans spilling from his lips when he was swallowed to the base.
“Hnnngh..!...Ha..! Ilay…”
Ilay hummed, the sensation on his dick making Taeui choke on his moan. Then Ilay moved faster, twisting at his nipple at the same time.
“Ilay!.calm..do–wn.! Ahh..”
Tears welled up in Taeui’s eyes. His moans increased in pitch as Ilay moved to capture a ball in his mouth, his hand stroking at the tip.
“Stop..! Too. Mu–ch..!” Taeui tried to push the head away, but his hand was caught and intertwined with.
It was overbearing, the fingers on his chest and the sucking below. Taeui only got louder as Ilay went faster.
Taeui tightened his grip on the hand locking with his, “Unngh..! Ilay…I’m gonna..!”
The man below wrapped his lips around the tip again, licking and sucking harder. Then–
“Hnnnggh!” Taeui’s hips jerked and tensed.
“Ha…haa..”
Gulp…gulp…gulp
Panting, he leaned back against the sink and reached down to pull both Ilay and his pants up.
Ilay hummed, a satisfied expression as he licked his lips.
Taeui rested his head on the broad shoulder, “Bastard…at least warn a guy,” he complained.
Ilay snickered softly, “Taei, it’s been a while, right? It’s so thick that I almost choked.”
Baffled, “...y-you! Shut up! Who says stuff like that…” Taeui avoided his gaze, heat crawling up his neck rapidly.
And then…he noticed the heavy weight on his thigh.
“...you. You aren’t putting it in..right?” Even though Taeui has taken it so many times now, he still couldn’t rid the nervousness at the start every time they did it.
A kiss on his ear, “Mm, not today..” Ilay dragged the hand he was holding to the bulge in his pants.
“Taei…it hurts.” He whined softly, nuzzling against Taeui’s forehead.
Taeui’s lips twitched. “...pft,” then he laughed.
Really laughed.
His dimple appeared as a smile spread across his face. “Ha…hahaha—!”
Ilay stared, dumbfounded.
Taeui buried his face in Ilay’s neck, shoulders shaking slightly. “Pfft– Ilay, this is—bad..”
He wrapped his arms around Ilay’s waist tightly.
“Aish…why am I finding you so adorable?” Looking up from his shoulder, Taeui smiled softly.
“.......”
“..Ilay?”
.
.
.
“Taeui…never stop smiling for the rest of our lives.”
He felt his heart skip, “...what?”
There was something shimmering faintly in Ilay’s eyes.
A hand cupped Taeui’s cheek before soft lips brushed against his eyelid. Then the bridge of his nose, left cheek…then right.
The corner of his lips.
Then finally, his mouth.
“...Ilay,” he whispered quietly as if sharing a secret, letting himself be kissed.
There was a strange aching in Taeui’s chest. Memories of those days spent desperately wishing for the very warmth surrounding him right now.
He took a deep breath in, “Ilay…when I–” Smooch.
“....I–” Another kiss.
“...”
“...That day–” Another.
Taeui pushed Ilay’s face away, “Yah yah yah!” he snapped in irritation, but couldn’t help the smile tugging at his lips.
Covering Ilay’s mouth, he snickered, “Ilay…didn’t you ask me to talk to you?”
He felt lips pouting against his palm. His heart thumped loudly, overwhelmed with feelings for the man in front of him.
“Hear me out…alright?”
A nod.
Narrowing his eyes suspiciously, Taeui slowly released his mouth before moving his arms to wrap around Ilay’s neck instead.
His fingers slipped into the silver hair on Ilay’s nape, “That day…” he lowered his gaze slightly.
“I really thought I died.”
Taeui was finally ready to lay himself bare to Ilay.
Lifting his head again, “They had this drug.” He was tired of running.
“I always saw the same thing…” His hands tightened.
“You died, Ilay.” Taeui felt the body tense under his arms.
“Over and over again.”
But Ilay stayed silent.
“Everyday felt the same in that room. Morning to night, then again. But you know what I was thinking of the whole time..?”
Taeui’s hands trembled lightly, “Your warmth.”
He smoothed over Ilay’s hair, grounding himself through the familiar softness.
A soft smile, “Ilay…” he said, “I once thought that even if you were gone, I’d still be able to keep going.”
“Hm…maybe I would, but that life would be full of pain.”
Taeui felt his lips wobble.
“So live a long life.”
“.....”
“Ilay,” he sighed, “I never once regretted staying by your side.”
“You’ll stay by mine too.”
It wasn’t a question. Ilay had thrown everything away to save Taeui from Seringe all those years ago, this was just Taeui choosing him back.
Ilay stared at him for a long while.
.
.
Then he smiled, the corner of his eyes softening.
Ilay pressed his lips to Taeui’s temple, “Taei…you never have to worry about me disappearing.” He was certain.
“I’ll go wherever you go.”
Taeui tilted his head, “Even to hell?”
“...Pfft, Tay…I’d be the reason you’re there in the first place.”
“Ah…you’re right.”
They would be okay.
At least, as long as they were together.
…
…
Suddenly remembering something, Taeui blinked.
“So…what happened to him?” .
Hands on his waist tightened immediately.
Ilay’s brow twitched, “...Don’t talk about him.” He pulled Taeui closer, his head resting against the other’s.
“...Tsk, you’re so annoying..” Taeui muttered but tightened his arms anyway, smiling into Ilay’s shoulder.
“Mm…but you love me.”
“I do.” Taeui admitted.
“I can’t help but love you.”
Ilay backed up to press a firm kiss against Taeui’s lips, a resounding smack as he pulled away.
—Mwah!
Taeui huffed in exasperation.
“Taei…”
Taeui hummed, but Ilay only repeated his name again.
“Jeong Taeui.”
“...what?”
Ilay pressed their foreheads together, staring into his eyes.
“I love you.”
“......?!”
Taeui’s breath hitched violently as his eyes widened..
“...huh?”
“I love you, Taeui.”
Ilay had never said those words before, he never needed to. It was always there.
His touch, the quiet exchanges, the devotion.
Ilay treated Taeui special, and it was enough for him..
But hearing it—
Taeui flushed. Redness creeped up his neck, face, and ears. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out.
A finger tilted his chin upward gently, “Hm…was it that shocking?”
“...you—”
Smooch.
Ilay didn’t let him continue, “Jeong Taeui, I love you.”
There was unbearable fondness in his eyes, making Taeui dizzy. He was absolutely certain his face had turned completely red by now.
—and Ilay. He just…smiled.
“..Uh. Ilay..” Taeui stared helplessly.
A hand landed on his chest.
Ilay laughed at the frantic heartbeat, “What’s wrong, hm?”
He gently took Taeui’s hand and pressed it against his own chest. And there— a similar fast rhythm was felt under Taeui’s palm.
“Taei…”
Taeui only stared in silence, captivated by Ilay’s smile and his heartbeat.
.
.
.
“..Hic.”
“?” Ilay tilted his head, raising a brow.
Taeui slapped a hand over his mouth. His stomach was tingling.
“Tay, were you that surprised?” His smile widened, and god he looked—
“Hic..!...hic..” Taeui’s hiccups were muffled from behind his hand. Ilay pulled his hand away, placing it on his shoulder before leaning in.
Mwah!
“Ilay, hic..! Sto—” He didn’t stop.
Chomp
“Ow!..Sto—hic biting my cheek!”
Ilay squished his cheek, pulling his face close.
“Taei…you’re so cute,” he bit Taeui’s nose. “What should I do, hm?”
“...Huh?! What’s gotten in–hic!..to you?”
“Hmm..” Ilay pushed his face into Taeui’s neck, breathing him in.
“I,” Kiss.
“Love,” Nip.
“You.” Suck.
Taeui trembled, “Uhhnng..h–hey..!” He hit Ilay's shoulder. Lips travelled down his neck and collarbone, making Taeui’s knees weak.
“Want me to stop? Hm, my dear?”
Taeui gripped hard at the broad shoulders, letting out shaky breaths.
“Nnnhhg, Il-aay..” He tilted his head back as Ilay continued his marking, exposing his neck.
Taeui’s face was red, hickeys starting to darken along his collarbone as he shivered.
Ilay swallowed, smirking faintly. He turned Taeui around to face the mirror, “My turn, Taei,” then pressed his hips forward.
“Haa..! W–ait, Ilay..” He grabbed at Ilay’s arms around his waist and pushed.
Ilay bit down on his nape, groaning. “If you keep pushing like that, I’ll cum, Tay.”
Taeui immediately stilled.
Ilay pulled both their pants down, the sudden breeze making Taeui gasp.
Patting Taeui’s bottom, he reassured, “Taei, I won’t put it in, so relax.” Then he slipped between Taeui’s thighs before pressing them together.
Ilay took an ear into his mouth, “Tighter, my love.”
“W–wait…their touching..!” Taeui exclaimed, trembling violently now. “..and what’s with you?!”
“Hmm?” Ilay pulled Taeui’s hips flush against his and leaned forward, chest to back.
“Unngh!..Haa..All these..petnames..”
A pale hand turned Taeui’s face to the side and he locked eyes with grey-black ones.
“You don’t like them?”
“Hnngh…ahh..! It’s not—that..” His hand reached back to push at Ilay’s hips in vain.
Ilay only moved faster, “..So you like it?”
“...Shut—up! Haa…ha…!”
Taeui’s breath came out uneven, unshed tears at the corner of his eyes. He leaned back against Ilay’s chest, leaning up for a kiss.
Ilay hummed in delight, connecting their lips. His thrusts roughened, tongue slipping past Taeui’s lips and swallowing his moans.
Taeui reached a hand up to grab at Ilay, “Unngh..! Mmmhh..” his body was heating up.
A string of saliva connected them when they finally pulled away.
“...You’re more vocal than usual, Taei”
Taeui looked up at him. At Ilay’s soft eyes, reddened lips, and his messy hair— he looked ethereal.
And it only brought the heat in his stomach down further..
A finger rubbed at his nipple, pulling a sharp gasp out of him and he pushed his hips back instinctively.
“My dear, seems like your hiccups are gone..” Ilay teased, his low voice beside Taeui’s ear making him shudder.
“Ilay…haa..! —ster”
“Hmm?”
“Ah! F—asterrr..” Broken moans escaped Taeui, his head resting back against Ilay’s jaw.
“...”
“..Wh– Did you get—hnngh, bigger?!”
Ilay leaned down to bite hard at Taeui’s neck, then his hips quickened.
“Aaanghh..! Hngh..! Ilay…Ilay..”
A hand wrapped around Taeui’s length and stroked fast, groans muffled in his neck.
Taeui was dizzy from stimulation. His entire body tingled from pleasure as Ilay tightened his arm around him.
The teeth on his neck bit down harder, drawing blood as Ilay and Taeui released together.
“Ahh..!” Taeui tensed, loosening his grip on Ilay’s neck to grab at his wrist instead.
“Sto– Hnggh! Enough! Haa..!” But the hand continued stroking, a tongue lapping at the blood on his neck.
“Say it, Taeui.”
“Say wha–haa..!”
“I love you.”
“Hnngh! I–I love–haa…you!” Tears were now streaming down Taeui’s face.
“Hmm…”
Finally, Ilay let go. He moved to support Taeui with both arms, kissing up his neck softly.
“Haa…you asshole..” Taeui glared at Ilay with half lidded eyes, but the man only hummed and licked away the tears.
They leaned on each other for a while, soaking in the embrace of the other. Ilay then gently guided Taeui to the bathtub, turning on the water and letting Taeui enter.
“Ilay.”
Ilay glanced up from where he was cleaning up the sink counter.
“...Join me?”
His lip twitched, “You sure?” and tilted his head as he stared with bright eyes.
“Nevermind. Stay there.” Ilay stepped towards the bathtub, eyes crinkling as he smiled.
“Mm…don’t take back your words, my dear.”
Taeui spluttered, whipping his head away from Ilay’s knowing gaze. “...get in.”
Splash!
“What are you—!”
Arms pulled at him until he was seated between Ilay’s legs, leaning back against his chest.
“...Tsk, why are you so…”
A pause
“Oh whatever, do what you want..”
A whisper, “I love you.” Then arms tightening around his body.
“...What’s with you?” Taeui leaned his head against Ilay’s shoulder, looking up at him.
“Taeui.”
“Hm?”
“Taei…”
“...yes?” He caressed Ilay’s hand on his stomach, furrowing his brows.
“Why didn’t I say it before? It sounds nice..”
Taeui let out a startled laugh, “Mm….then continue saying it for the rest of our lives.”
“I will. I love you, Taei.”
They silently looked at each other, content.
.
.
Then—
Taeui shot up, “Ilay. Are you blushing..?!”
He grabbed Ilay’s face, turning it left and right.
“Taei…,” Ilay whined, pushing the hands on his face away then burying himself in the back of Taeu’s neck.
Taeui flushed again. “...I must be crazy, thinking you’re adorable.”
Feeling Ilay smiling against his neck, he couldn’t help the one that stretched across his face.
Taeui reached a hand up, patting silver hair.
“I love you, Ilay”
.
.
.
That night, Taeui slept peacefully for the first time.
With Ilay in his arms.
.
.
—
The next morning:
A bright light engulfed the room.
“Just how long are you two going to sleep?”
Rita…?
“It’s already noon, young master. Your guests are arriving soon.”
Groaning softly, Taeui turned to bury into a hard yet comfortably warm surface.
A deep voice rumbled beneath him, “We’ll be down soon, Rita,” then something tightened around his waist, making him frown.
“Mmh…” he hummed groggily.
Taeui slowly became aware of his surroundings as he breathed in a familiar scent, subconsciously tilting his head towards where it was strongest.
The surface beneath him shook faintly, making him huff in irritation.
“Stop movinggg…,” Taeui mumbled as he grabbed blindly. A hand caught his wrist before smoothly flipping them over, a familiar weight landing on his chest.
“Ack–!”
“Taei,” the unbearably soft voice calling out finally coaxed his eyes open. He blinked uncomfortably at the sunlight filtering in through the curtains until a pale hand came into view, shielding his eyes.
Looking down, Taeui found Ilay resting his chin on his chest and peering up at him with a gentle look.
Ilay’s eyes curved lazily, “Good afternoon.” His voice tinted with sleepiness made Taeui feel strangely shy.
“...Afternoon?” He asked.
“Mmm. Someone wouldn’t let me go in their sleep, so I had no choice but to stay until they woke up.”
“......You’re just saying that.” It was true. If Ilay really wanted to, he could’ve left at any moment. Taeui felt heat on his cheeks.
Ilay leaned up to place a soft kiss on Taeui’s lips, hands caressing his waist.
“We should get ready. Christoph will definitely be waiting to see you.”
Even so, Taeui found himself reluctant to leave the bed. He wanted to stay with Ilay more. But everyone had taken the initiative to visit.
So he begrudgingly got up anyway.
They stood side by side in front of the sink while brushing their teeth.
Joked around in the shower while washing up.
Falling back into bed when a kiss almost got out of hand, rolling around in each other’s embrace.
It was only when they heard footsteps—most likely Rita’s—did they hastily throw on their shirts and leave the room.
Taeui almost crashed into Rita, who was looking at them with a hardened gaze.
“Good Afternoon, Rita!” He gave an innocent smile before dashing past her, pulling an amused Ilay along.
“That scared of her?”
Taeui looked back, “You rushed too!” and shot him a teasing look. Rita watched them disappear down the stairs with fading laughter. Her gaze softened.
A weight lifted from her chest the moment Taeui had flashed her his signature ‘get out of trouble’ smile.
She sighed, ‘The young master always seems to pull Tay out from even the darkest areas,’ and smiled faintly to herself before following them.
.
.
.
The dining area went silent upon hearing happy chatter from the stairs.
The T&R Special Task Force had arrived in the morning, with Christoph complaining loudly that guests shouldn’t be kept waiting.
But now, any irritation Christoph had disappeared. How long has it been since they heard such bright laughter from Tay?
Rushed footsteps approached them, along with the distinct sound of bickering.
Finally, Tay turned the corner into the dining room before jerking to a stop, seeing it packed with people.
“...Uh.” His expression became awkward. He didn’t expect everyone to already be here.
“Aha. Seems like everyone is early.”
“Tay! Rick!” Alain greeted them loudly, genuinely happy to see them after so long.
Christoph clicked his tongue, “We’re not early. You are late.” But he still smiled faintly at Tay.
“Tay. How are you?” Mark and Ivan spoke simultaneously, which led to them arguing…
“Ah…hello. Sorry for keeping you waiting..” Taeui scratched his head, bowing slightly.
Ilay wrapped around his waist from behind, resting his head against Taeui’s. “Kitchen. I’ve got something for you.” He whispered.
Shuddering from the voice so close to his ear, Taeui looked at him suspiciously, but went towards the kitchen anyway.
Ivan’s jaw dropped. When the hell did Rick become so…—He picked it up immediately, ‘No. No. He has always been like that with Tay,’ nodding to himself.
Once Taeui entered the kitchen, his nose picked up an aroma.
“...Dried Pollack.” He whipped around to stare at Ilay.
The silver haired man only tilted his head and smiled, “I promised you.”
“........”
Taeui’s chest ached. Just how much more could he love this crazy man?
“...Cheesy bastard.” He mumbled, but the man heard it anyway.
Ilay only smiled wider and went to prepare a bowl of the soup. He brought the bowl to Taeui, blowing on the soup before lifting the spoon to him.
“I can do it myself…”
The spoon came nearer.
“..........Fine! Fine..” Taeui obediently opened his mouth to receive it, looking at the pale hand feeding him.
“How is it?”
Taeui perked up, humming in satisfaction. “It’s really good! Where did you get it?”
He opened his mouth for more, making Ilay laugh and continue feeding him.
Seeing Ilay not answer, he narrowed his eyes at him, “...where did the soup come from?” he asked again.
But Ilay only looked at him softly.
‘..........No way,’ he thought.
“Hm?”
Taeui stared intently at him, slowly drinking the soup when Ilay lifted the spoon again.
After a long while of being fed silently…
He carefully said, “...you…..?”
Ilay hummed, lips curling. He set the bowl down in favor of grabbing Taeui’s wrist to pull him closer while backing up against the counter.
“......”
“Why? Does it not taste good anymore after the truth comes out?”
Taeui shook his head, “No..it’s not that…”
“Where did you find the time for this?”
A hand slowly stroked at his waist, “Before you woke up.”
Taeui thought that his love couldn’t get any stronger. He was wrong.
“...So you got up to make this, then got back in bed with me..?”
He didn’t even want to hear the answer. He was afraid of his heart exploding if he heard any more.
But when has Ilay ever shown him mercy?
“Mmm.” He nodded.
Lord give him strength.
Gods have never once been on Taeui’s side.
He tried so hard to shove the feeling back down, but looking at Ilay’s smile…
‘Damn it.’
He wrapped his arms around Ilay’s neck and pulled him in, tasting blood when he bit at soft lips in an attempt to soothe his own heart.
Ilay paused in shock for a brief second then wrapped his arms around Taeui’s waist to pull him closer, lips pressing firmer into him.
It wasn’t enough. Taeui wanted to crawl behind the man’s ribs and stay there.
And as though Ilay read his thoughts, he laughed into the kiss and slid a hand up Taeui’s back, leaning forward.
Taeui had no choice but to lean back as he came closer. He knew he wouldn’t fall. Ilay wouldn’t let him, but his arms tightened around pale neck anyway.
As Ilay continued letting out quiet laughter into the kiss, Taeui’s lips wobbled, suddenly remembering the moments before he thought what would be his death.
Ilay pulled back, furrowing his brows. His thumb stroked under Taeui’s eye, coming back damp.
“Taei?”
Taeui shook his head lightly, letting it fall against Ilay’s chest.
“Ilay.”
The man hummed curiously, but he only repeated, “Ilay..” again.
“What’s wrong?”
A few seconds passed before Taeui lifted his head.
“Before I….” He paused.
“I was really upset about not being able to feel your laugh when we kissed anymore.”
Ilay’s expression hardened at the reminder, but remained silent.
“...I also really wanted to see your smile again,” Taeui quietly added. He ran his hands through silver hair, huffing out a laugh when it got messy.
And Ilay…he just stared.
“Thank you for coming for—”
Ilay cut him off, “Don’t say that. I would find you no matter where you went.”
Sighing, Taeui nodded, “I know.” He leaned up to press a brief kiss against bloody lips, licking it away.
“.....Should we just go back to our room?”
“Yah!..We have guests..!” He tried to retreat, but the arm around his waist held on tightly.
“So you are aware of your guests.”
Taeui whipped around so fast he thought his neck broke.
“Ah…ha ha ha….Chris–”
“You’re interrupting.” Ilay spoke over him.
“Ilay! Uh..Christoph! We were just about to go back…why don’t we go together..?”
Christoph just looked between both of them silently, then he turned and walked away.
Taeui relaxed back against Ilay, “...Let’s go.”
“Tsk. He always shows up at the wrong time.” Ilay complained even though he released his hold on Taeui.
Taeui paused when they were about to leave the kitchen and turned back, “Ilay, more soup, please?”
A proud smile tugged at Ilay’s lips, “What’s in return?” He teased.
Taeui cocked his head, and with a sudden burst of confidence, he pulled at the collar of his shirt to reveal evidence of last night’s activities.
He winked, “Now be a good boy and listen,” before leaving to join the others.
“......”
It took everything in Ilay to not drag Taeui back to their room.
“Ha…that little minx,” he said while getting another bowl of soup.
—
Living room:
Christoph re-entered the room with Tay trailing behind him, who had an embarrassed look on his face.
“Tay...did you get devoured in there?” Alain raised a brow.
Christoph sat down and scoffed, “He was about to be.”
Taeui suddenly felt eyes on him. Looking around, he saw everyone silently watching him.
Feeling awkward, he blinked, “Uh. What…?”
“Tay. What really happened in there?” Ivan asked.
“Huh? With Ilay?....We just drank soup, why?”
Alain burst out laughing, making Taeui even more confused. “What. Why?” His eye twitched.
“...Tay, what did that cult leader do to you?” Christoph slowly said.
At this moment, a bowl of soup was placed in front of Taeui and a hand settled on the base of his neck.
“Christopher Tarten.”
Ivan and Mark immediately looked away, obviously avoiding whoever was behind Tay.
Taeui reached up to touch the pale hand. “Ilay, it’s okay,” then patted the space beside him.
“Taei. If you want, they will leave. Just say it.” The hand tilted his head up while caressing his neck.
He pulled at Ilay,“I get it…so just sit down already,” trying to coax him to calm down.
When Ilay finally sat down beside him, he draped his arm across the back of the couch, fingers brushing Taeui’s shoulder.
“...You don’t have to answer it.” An uncharacteristically quiet voice came from Christoph.
Taeui smiled faintly, “No, it’s fine..” He was really okay. He could overcome anything, with the man called Ilay Riegrow by his side.
So Taeui started talking.
About Saionji’s obsession with the Gilsancheong, “He wanted to save the world with me, can you believe that? ”
The other victims.
“There were children, women, elderly. Anyone who he thought had connections with gods, or something like that.”
Taeui whipped towards Ilay, “Saori! A young girl around 14. Did you see her?” He grabbed onto Ilay’s arm, eyes wide with worry.
“Shit…how could I have forgotten….”
The arm on the backrest moved to pull Taeui closer, “She’s back with her parents. So don’t worry already.”
“...?”
Ivan continued, seeing Rick’s refusal to say any more. “When we were leaving the factory, a girl came up to us crying for you. I’m telling you. Rick would’ve killed her if she hadn’t been smart enough to move out the way.”
“Yeah, she only asked for a phone to call her parents. Her survival instincts are amazing..” Mark said.
Taeui narrowed his eyes at Ilay, but then softened his gaze almost immediately. Yeah. It was already a miracle Ilay didn’t already plan to kill everyone there…
“Also, Tay. You were insane! Resurrection?” Alain jumped up.
“What?”
“You don’t know? Your heart stopped.”
……
Taeui slowly turned to look at Ilay, but he stubbornly avoided him. “...Ilay..”
Then how was he here? CPR maybe…?
“I did CPR, but it didn’t work.”
“......”
Ilay pressed his palm against Taeui’s chest, right above his heart. It was like he was trying to remind himself that the thumping was really there.
Taeui held the hand firmly, “Then how am I alive?” He asked nervously, but no one answered. No one had the answer.
“Ilay.” Silence.
He reached out to turn Ilay’s face towards him, “Ilay.” He said again.
“...I don’t know.” Ilay finally admitted after staring at him for a while.
“You? Don’t know?”
Mark sighed from across Taeui. “We’re not really sure either. One second you were dead, the next you weren’t.”
“...Hey. You know what it really looked like though?” Ivan perked up, “A true love’s kiss.”
Christoph cut in, “What bullshit are you spouting.”
“You weren’t there, Chris! Rick kissed him before Alain pulled the trigger…then boom! Tay came back alive!”
Taeui could only gape while Ivan continued his fairytale.
“You know..Ivan has a point,” Alain remarked. “If you hadn’t moved when you did, Rick wouldn't even be here right now.”
Upon hearing that, he held on to the hand on his chest tighter. “You crazy bastard…you actually plan to follow me to the afterlife.”
“Of course. Did you think it was a joke?”
No. He didn’t. But something just did not sit right with him, knowing that Ilay would willingly die to be with him..
Not wanting to think about it anymore, Taeui reached for the soup. He slowly sipped on it, wishing for the soup to warm up the chilly feeling in his chest. Subconsciously leaning against Ilay, he remained silent, letting Ivan continue trying to convince everyone.
He didn’t know how much time had passed as he sat there thinking. By the time Rita came to call them for dinner, the sky had already darkened.
“Taei.”
His head turned instinctively towards the voice. “Hm?”
Ilay stood up, pulling him along, “Let’s go eat.”
Throughout dinner, few words were exchanged. Taeui, who had been quiet, suddenly let out a “AH!”, causing Alain to fling his glass of wine.
Christoph flinched, “What is it, Tay?”
Taeui opened his mouth, but nothing came out. After a long silence, a hand landed on his thigh, patting it as though the person behind it was trying to comfort him. It worked way too well.
“Uh…I just remembered something my mother used to say.”
He lowered his gaze and furrowed his brow, “I forgot the actual sentence…but it was like, ‘Born beneath the same star’,” he tensed. “They remain tethered until eternity claims one…’”
“...”
“.......”
Suddenly, Rita came into the dining room, phone in her hand. “Tay. Your brother’s calling.”
“....yo, that’s kinda creepy.” Ivan whispered, but the silence was so loud that he was heard clearly.
Taeui brought the phone to his ear, “Hyung? Why are you suddenly calling?”
“Taeui. How are you? Are you eating well?”
He smiled fondly, “Mhm. Very well to both.”
“That’s good…”
“..Hyung?”
The phone was smoothly plucked from his hands and placed on speaker.
“Taeui. Do you remember when we were little? And you were always falling sick?”
“Not really. But why are you…”
“There was this time, your illness wouldn’t subside even though mine was already mostly gone, which didn’t make sense at all since we always got better together. Everyone was worried about you.”
“...Then the doctors said you had an unknown disease.”
“....”
“They couldn’t find out exactly how you contracted it though. All they said was…”
“...Hyung.”
“They said you had 2 months.”
The hand on his thigh tightened.
“Omma and Appa did everything they could. But you were only getting worse. You became delirious and cried for Hyung every night.”
“It went on for three weeks. You got paler and weaker, no one knew what to do.”
Then Jaeui let out a quiet laugh.
“Omma even went to a shaman, but she refused to even take a look after hearing about us..”
“A shaman? Omma?”
“Right? We were all terrified, you know? Hyung wouldn’t leave your side.”
“Then one day when we went to visit… you were suddenly all better. You even jumped on me as though the past month didn’t happen. The doctors put you through every single test, but they said you were perfectly healthy.”
“Everyone was so confused, but they soon forgot about it because as long as you were okay, they didn’t care.”
“....Huh, I think…I vaguely remember it.” Taeui said as he slowly stroked at the pale hand.
“After a while, the shaman called Omma. She told her to be careful about us. To never anger someone…but I can’t remember who.”
“But anyway…I think there’s something preventing you from dying.”
“...?!”
This was so like Jaeui to drop a bomb out of nowhere…but wasn’t this too sudden?!
“Huh?!”
“Taeui, have you ever wondered just why you are my Gilsancheong?”
“Yeah…but as long as it keeps you safe, I’m fine with it.”
“.....I haven’t figured this whole thing out yet, so I just called to tell you what I know. I’ll update you more once I do.”
He sighed, “Yeah. Sure, hyung. Eat well.” Jaeui and him rarely called, so even this small chat brought him great relief.
“Mm. You too, Taeui.”
Clack.
…
“...Right. So did anyone understand what they talked about?” Alain asked.
They had been talking in Korean, so the only one who could understand except for Taeui…was Ilay.
“Basically. I’m immortal?” Taeui summarised.
“...”
…
.
.
“WHAT?” Everyone shouted.
A laugh came from beside him, “Taei...you sure are one of a kind.”
Taeui only shrugged, drinking from the cup in front of Ilay as he explained instead.
.
.
.
“So like…Tay can’t die?” Ivan slowly said.
Mark hummed, “It sounds more like he isn’t allowed to until his time comes.”
Ilay didn’t seem to pay any more attention to them after explaining. He pulled Taeui’s chair closer, stealing whatever food he picked up.
“...Yah!! You have your own plate, so why do you keep taking mine..” Taeui complained, but still obediently allowed his hand to be pulled.
Taeui observed Ilay chewing the stolen meat with obvious satisfaction. He didn’t seem bothered at all by the revelation that something out there was preventing Taeui’s death.
When Ilay noticed the stare, he turned and raised a brow. Taeui only shook his head, picking up another piece of meat and bringing it to Ilay. He opened his mouth without protest, smiling.
“No fucking way.” Alain said after seeing them. “We’re breaking our necks trying to figure this deity shit out but those two are being disgusting...”
Ivan barked out a laugh, “You know it best!” leaning back on his chair.
Chris refused to even acknowledge them as he stabbed into his food, biting in irritation with a quiet, “Still don’t understand what’s so good about him..”
But that didn’t even tweak Ilay’s mood one bit. To him, as long as Taeui was okay, he could care less if everything else rotted.
“I give up!” Alain suddenly shouted. “Nothing else matters as long as Tay is safe. “Cheers to that mysterious deity!” He stood up, raising his glass to the sky.
Ivan snickered at the sight, but joined in anyway. “Yeah!” Mark tilted his glass in agreement.
Even Chris joined the unsightly cheering, though quietly. He was relieved that Tay was back.
After that, the atmosphere lightened. In the soft glow of the dining room lights, the monsters of T&R were nothing more than teenagers picking at each other. Laughter continued late into the night and conversations dragged to the common area.
In the Berlin estate, hidden from the world, they could let loose.
Taeui was content drinking beer and chatting with Chris from his place beside Ilay. Scars from a month ago started to shed, the bars closing him off lifted, and Jeong Taeui could finally breathe.
As Taeui slowly became dazed from the beer, he relaxed into Ilay’s side and rested his head on sturdy shoulders. Alain and the others were emptying their tenth bottle like they were trying to drink the place dry.
“Tired, Taei?” Ilay’s soft voice floated to his ears, sounding faraway. An arm supported him from behind, holding him gently.
Taeui hummed, tilting his head up to stare into grey-black eyes. “...Ilay.”
“Hm?”
As Taeui stared at the man he had bet his entire life on years ago, a warm feeling wrapped around his heart. He thought, ‘Ah, I’m sure now. This is the guy I’m going to spend the rest of my life with.’
“Taei?” Ilay asked when he didn’t say anything.
Taeui smiled faintly, “I love you.” He whispered softly, just enough for the man to hear.
Ilay’s eyes widened in shock at the sudden confession, but it soon softened into a look overflowing with emotions. He leaned down to place a kiss on Taeui’s lips.
“I love you too.” He said, the words shared between them like a secret.
Unbeknownst to the audience’s gaping, Taeui fully leaned his body onto Ilay, eyes already slipping shut, being lulled by Ilay’s scent and the sense of security.
Ilay only held him tighter, hands stroking his back while his smooth voice directed at the others made Taeui finally surrender himself to his dreams.
Yeah. They would be alright.
~Fin.