Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

He doesn’t know how things ended up this way. Well, he wasn’t paying much attention to what Leeso and Bam were discussing. Khun was concentrated in making plans ahead for what is to come. A place called Floor of Death sounds like somewhere one should go prepared to, after all. There was that, and also that he is still a little mad at Leeso for using Bam like he did, especially without consulting with him first, so he wants to give him as less attention as possible for now. However, his resolution went to Hell when the two of them approached him, Leeso pulling Bam by one arm and then grabbing Khun’s with his free hand. Khun gets loose immediately, however, and looks at him angrily. No one could grab him like that, ever, no matter the reason.

“Khun! You won’t believe this!” Leeso had said, ignoring Khun’s icy glare, with his voice full of excitement. “Bam hasn’t watched any Disney movie ever! Isn’t that crazy!?”

Really? How did they end up talking about Disney movies, of all things? Well, it was kind of obvious Bam wouldn’t have watched them, since he has been busy ever since he entered the tower, and before that he was trapped in a cave. Bam seems a little embarrassed at Leeso’s disbelief, though. His eyes are on the floor and he is playing with his fingers nervously. “Are they really that popular?”

“Are you kidding? Of course they are! Every kid has watched those at least once!” Now is Boro’s turn to make Bam even more embarrassed at his own ignorance, as Sachi nods in the background.

Khun immediately feels the urge to alleviate Bam’s shame, so he chooses to mention the fact that probably Rak doesn’t know anything about Disney movies either. That way maybe they will go pester Rak and leave Bam in peace. They all looked shocked, even Sachi, and they rush into searching for said crocodile, carrying poor Bam with them. A few moments later, they come back, bringing a confused and protesting Rak to Khun. Why bring the alligator to him? Do they expect Khun to interrogate him or something?

“You were right! He doesn’t know any Disney movie either, Khun! This is an emergency!”

No, they already interrogated him, but they expect Khun to solve their emergency, like Leeso dramatically wants to call it. This is not some tower challenge, guys, and Khun doesn’t have to solve all of your ridiculous problems all the time.

“At least we have to make them watch some Disney Princess movies! No one should not know about them!” Khun can’t understand why this is so important. He couldn’t care less about family friendly movies, but if Bam wants to watch them, they could go ahead and show them to him. “And you have to watch them with us.”

Khun finally stops what he is doing, in order to confront their dumb demands. “What? Why? I already watched those things when I was a kid. And I’m busy planning our trip to the Floor of Death, as you should be doing too.”

“Come on, Khun my love! Just give them some rest. Your cutie Bam just defeated Kaiser and deserves some time to relax, don’t you think?”

His hearts stops for a second when Leeso calls Bam that, even if it doesn’t show on his face. Thankfully no one reacts to Leeso’s stupidity. Well, he is right in that they deserve time to rest, especially Bam, but that doesn’t mean Khun has to waste his own time too. But again, his intentions of pushing them away die when Bam looks at him pleadingly. “Can we watch them together, Mr. Khun? I want to know what I’m missing, and you could also use some time to relax.”

God, he is too weak to those puppy eyes and that concerned smile. So he lets himself be dragged by an excessively enthusiastic Leeso, and sits down in front of a large TV, on an even larger couch. But there’s no cinema night without snacks, so they send Endorsi to get them while they set all up. Because of that, she ends up watching the movies with them. Yihwa also joined them in the couches, after following Rak’s abduction from the wounded’s room. She looks at Rak with deep concern after hearing why Boro and Leeso abducted him. “Poor Mr. Crocodile, you really haven’t watched any Disney?”

“I don’t need to know these childish things, Flamethrower turtle. I am a warrior and your leader.”

“Yeah, yeah, just give them the satisfaction and watch the damned movies. If I have to do it, then you have to go through it too.” Khun says, and Rak grumbles in place but doesn’t try to get away. He is probably curious too, after all. Khun laughs mentally at the gator’s denial.

“Have you watched them, Mr. Khun?” Bam sits right beside him in the couch, a little too close actually, but Khun doesn’t mind. He is glad, actually, since it always feels good to have Bam near him. He can’t say the same when Leeso sits at the other side of him, however. He cares for Leeso, obviously, he is his friend and is one of the few who has a decent mind for planning, but he can be so clingy sometimes.

“I have, as most kids have, like Boro said. I watched them when I was little, with my sisters.” He can remember Kiseia especially liking Frozen when it came out, even though they were already a little too old for kid’s movies. It was because she knew their father had rare ice powers, and she wanted their older sister to become an Ice Jahad Princess in the future, like Elsa.

Bam just looks at him, eyes sparkling with curiosity, and Khun swallows slowly, because he knows he won’t be able to say no to those eyes if Bam continues to ask about his past, and he doesn’t want to dwell too much into it, even if it’s just something stupid like his memories about watching small children’s movies with his so called family. However, Bam can’t ask anymore ‘cause the first movie is about to start. They don’t make their mind of what to watch first, though. Leeso and Boro, the self-proclaimed leaders of their improvised cinema party, are having a heated discussion about it. They end up deciding they should start with Snow White, since it’s the first and therefore most legendary one (according to them). They settle on watching around five movies because, even though they might want to, they can’t stay up all night.

So Snow White starts. Jeez, this movie is so fricking old Khun didn’t even remember most of it. However, everything is definitely new for innocent Bam, who easily gets absorbed by the nature imagery and the upbeat songs. Of course Leeso would start singing them out loud, and of course Endorsi would start criticizing Snow White’s naivety. But the part that gets most attention from his best friend is the final scene. The girl inside a crystal coffin comes back to life with a kiss.

“He woke her up with a kiss… That’s so nice.” After a couple of seconds of staring captivatedly at the TV, Bam’s eyes lock in Khun’s, for some reason. Those golden orbs unleash small sparkles. “An act of true love…”

Khun wants to ask Bam if he is alright, too nervous of being seen like that to ask why he is looking at him specifically, but Boro interrupts. “Yeah, it’s like Disney trademark now, the kiss of true love.”

Endorsi is not so approving of Bam’s innocent reaction. “She didn’t even know him at all! How is that true love?” Khun is with Endorsi in this, but he doesn’t want her to ruin Bam’s happiness and love for the scene. He looks so cute with his eyes shining like that, glued again to the television, and a little waahhh… coming from his lips.

“Is she dead? Is he taking her to Heaven?” suddenly asks Hatz, after appearing from who knows where. Khun laughs through his breath. He didn’t think the seppuku guy would be this interested in Disney movies too. Then Leeso starts explaining a theory about exactly that, like how Snow White was already dead, not in a magical sleep, and the Prince is taking her to Heaven in the final scene. Bam looks a mixed of shocked, interested and sad.

“So… she is dead?”

Khun immediately pets Bam's head in order to comfort him. “You bastards, don’t you dare scare Bam like that.” He first reprimands them with his commanding father voice, and then turns to Bam, soothing him with gentle dad voice. “No, Bam, it’s not officially true. It’s just a theory.”

“A Film Theory!”

Khun smacks Leeso in the head for that out of place reference, and lets Bam sit up straight again. However, Bam takes some seconds to look at his face directly again, his head still resting in Khun’s shoulder, and then a loving, peaceful smile appears in his round lips. “I wouldn’t mind being dead if my prince takes me to Heaven.”

What? What did Bam intended to convey with those words? And he is looking only at him… It is worse when Leeso giggles in the background, probably interpreting it as something dirty. Khun is sure that’s not the case. Bam literally meant going to Heaven and not… other things. Jeez, now he won’t be able to stop thinking about that. Whichever the case, why would Bam say that while looking intensely at Khun?

He can’t think anymore, because they already put on the next movie. Now it is The Princess and the Frog, and Bam is once again watching it like it’s some kind of masterpiece. And once again, Endorsi is commenting about the female lead’s attitudes. Thankfully (or not) this time are positive opinions.

“Tiana is so right. You really have to work hard to make your dreams come true. Wouldn’t I know about that.” Everyone turns to look at Endorsi in complete disbelief, and she stops talking with a potato chip in midway between the bag and her mouth. “What?”

“Are you really comparing yourself to Tiana?” Khun dares to say, and Endorsi gives him a look that says Of course I am. We are like two peas in a pod. “Killing all your contenders doesn’t count as working hard towards your dreams, Endorsi.”

“Oh, look who is talking!” She throws a cushion at Khun, which ends up hitting Bam in the head instead of him. She doesn’t look a bit remorseful though.

“At least I admit I’m a monster. And aim better next time. You hit Bam.”

“Whatever. And of course it counts! Also, she ended up being a Princess, just like me.” Endorsi says proudly, with her hands on her waist and her nose up in the air.

And now it’s Hatz turn to pop her dream bubble. “But she didn’t want that. Her dream was to put up a restaurant and make everyone happy with her cooking. A much nobler dream than becoming a spoiled Princess, if you ask me.”

For that, Leeso received a blow in his ribs. “Why do you hit me!?”

“Stupid Hatz is too far away! I won’t get up, so you have to take responsibility for him.” Leeso just bends over, bearing the pain in his stomach with a low why. “And there is nothing nobler than being a Princess.” She adds, matter-of-factly.

“But…” now is Bam’s turn to talk, and he looks like he is deep thought, a finger on top of his own lips. “Why does Miss Endorsi look so different from the Disney Princesses so far? They are all graceful and good people.”

“Are you implying something, little Bam?” She dangerously raises another cushion, and Leeso is afraid it may end up in his face instead, knowing her aim and that he is sitting next to her. Bam quickly shakes his head, finally noticing he might have been insulting Endorsi with that innocent (and truthful) statement. “Hmph, good boy.”

They continue to watch the movie, which Khun has to admit is fairly good for being children’s entertainment, and of course Bam looks devastated when the little firefly dies at the end. “At least he is with his true love now.” Sachi tries to comfort him, and Bam simply nods in silence, a few tears trapped in the corners of his eyes. Khun can’t help feeling a warm sensation in his chest, caused by Bam’s pure-hearted reaction. Aww, my Bam. Never change, please.

The next movie is Mulan, and it’s the first time Rak makes a comment: something about Mulan being a real female turtle for being strong, smart and having a nice personality, to what Khun couldn’t resist the urge to mention she would be too much for someone like the alligator, effectively starting a fight that Bam, between loving laughs, had to end.

After finishing the movie, they have a little karaoke session, with Bam and Rak singing I’ll make a man out of you in a duet, and the others doing the soldiers’ voices and choruses. Khun tolerates all of that, even Boro’s off tune voice, just so he can hear Bam singing happily.

“Let’s get down to business…!” starts Bam again.

“To defeat THE HUNS!!” and Rak completes in a loud but surprisingly not so bad singing. However, Khun won’t let them start the song again, even if Bam looks so cute throwing punches in the air while trying to make something like a choreography. Just play the next damned movie and let’s get this over, please. Aside from wasting my time, Bam’s cuteness is killing me. This is not good for my health.

When starting the next movie, Kiseia’s favorite one, there are already less people in the room. Hatz and Endorsi are missing, probably having returned to their respective rooms, and Rak and Yihwa are already asleep next to each other. Of course, Bam, Boro and Leeso are still awake, but it impresses Khun that Sachi is still here too.

As he expected, Bam is delighted by the Let it go musical number, mentioning how beautiful Elsa looks, and that he is glad she now feels free to be herself and use her powers for nice things, like shiny clothes and ice castles. Khun knows Bam is also kind of afraid of his own power, even if he still wants to develop it as much and as fast as he can, but only in order to be capable of protecting their team.

So he looks so sad when Elsa freezes Anna’s heart. For some reason, Bam stares at him again, now with even sadder eyes. What is happening inside that head? Is Bam thinking he might hurt Khun someday? He just wraps an arm around Bam’s shoulders, pulling him close without any words. The other looks surprised at first, but relaxes in an instant, a calm smile in his mouth. Ignoring Leeso’s teasing smirk, Khun’s heart calms with him too. His secret love for Bam makes him nervous to be near him sometimes, but it also makes him so warm-hearted, like nothing else does.

But that tranquil moment is short-lived, as Bam is again heated up by the events in the movie. “Poor Anna! She must feel so betrayed… How could he do that to her?” Wouldn’t Bam know about that feeling, after all of Rachel’s betrayals.

“Well, it was kind of obvious he was a bad guy, even when I first saw this. He was immediately interested in Anna and wanted to marry her even though he didn’t know her at all, and then started managing the kingdom in her absence with a little too much enthusiasm and efficiency.”

“Oh, come on, Khun, it wasn’t obvious. Lots of Disney movies have couples who barely know each other and fall in love in a second.” says Boro, who looks a little sleepy even though he is still so into the movie.

“Yeah, and you liked me instantly too, Mr. Khun.” Khun gulps a little at Bam’s clueless statement. Yeah, and you don’t know how much. “And I’m sure you would be able to manage a kingdom in a second without any problem.”

“Well, of course.” He hears Leeso murmuring something like Such modesty, but decides to ignore him again.

“But you would never betray me, right, Mr. Khun?” He might be a bad guy, even a villain for some people, but he would need to be a real monster in order to betray that pure, trusting smile.

“Of course I won’t. Never.” Even if it kills me, or have to sacrifice everyone else in order to do that. Obviously, those last words don’t leave his mind, but he thinks he conveys the feeling likewise, through his blue eyes.

Or maybe not, because Bam would not be smiling so happily if he knew how much would Khun sacrifice in order to make him happy. “I won’t either!” Of course you won’t. You are too pure-hearted to do that. I have to protect this bright smile, at all costs. That’s what he thinks when Bam links his pinky finger with his, sealing a promise of never betraying each other.

“Aww, you two are so cute.” Yeah, he knew Leeso wouldn’t resist the urge to tease him again. “But, you know, Anna is somewhat similar to Bam, don’t you think?” Bam looks surprised, so Leeso explains further. “She is such a ray of sunshine, just like you.”

“That’s true.” Khun agrees, and notices Bam’s cheeks blushing a little. Yeah, Anna is not Bam level of cute, but they do share some similarities. “She is determined and pure-hearted, and she never leaves anyone behind, no matter if they try to push her away when she is trying to help. You never give up on helping somebody either. And her trusting nature makes her easily betrayed, but once betrayed she knows better, just like you.”

“And she has a beautiful, sunny smile, just like you, Bam!” Adds Leeso, like he is reading Khun’s thoughts and saying them out loud since he knows Khun wouldn’t want to say something so incriminating.

Bam seems happy and embarrassed at the comparison. “She needs someone who can protect her from bad guys like Hans. Just like I have you, Mr. Khun.”

Khun is sure he would have blushed if he wasn’t so good at keeping a poker face. Bam, please, stop saying things like that with such a loving attitude. It makes him harbor meaningless hopes. And again, minutes later into the movie, Bam is distressed again, when Anna is searching for the other guy in the snow storm and Hans is about to kill Elsa. “Is she going to die? Is she going to die, Mr. Khun??” Bam shakes him by the arm, completely worried about the fate of the two sisters.

“No, Bam, the protagonists never die in this type of movies.” The others simply laugh at Bam’s innocence and Khun’s patience. “Glad we are amusing to you as well, guys.”

“But Ray died! And it was so sad!”

Bam’s big eyes have tears in their corners again, and Khun simply keeps him close again, an arm now wrapped around his waist instead of his shoulders. He mentally swears he is doing this just to comfort him and is not taking advantage of Bam’s purity in the slightest. It’s just for emotional support and nothing more. Right, nothing more… “That’s true, I’m sorry. But it’s gonna be ok, see?”

A few moments later, Bam is smiling happily again, enchanted to his very core by the family love between the sisters. Khun can’t really relate, of course, but he is glad Bam, who didn’t have any family, can admire these things in TV at least. “Thank goodness! Although I thought she would be saved by a true love kiss, just like Snow White, but this is nice too.”

Bam stares at Khun again, like he did when they were finishing Snow White, his eyes glued to Khun’s. Or rather, they are staring at Khun’s lips… No, that can’t be. Khun shakes the thoughts away. “Hey, just one more movie. It’s late and we have to sleep.”

“Daddy Khun has spoken, guys, we have one more to go, and I know which one should be!” at least is Leeso the one calling him daddy Khun. If it was Bam, he doesn’t know what is reaction would be.

That’s when Boro notices Sachi sleeping next to him, his head resting on his arm. Is it Khun’s idea or does Boro’s face seem a little red? Maybe he is not the only one with a secret crush on his best friend. He smiles knowingly, tempted to tease him just like Leeso does with him. “I-I’m going to take him to his room. He has light sleep and we will only disturb his rest.” Yeah, Yihwa and Rak are soundly sleeping in this room too, withstanding their loud commentary and the movie sounds, but he only starts caring now. Well, Khun would act the same if it was Bam who was sleeping on the couch. Sadly, Bam is still totally active.

“Jeez, you guys are all a bummer. But Khun is right, it’s already late. We’ll watch the last movie. You guys go ahead.” Has Leeso not noticed Boro’s special treatment of Sachi, or is he more considerate with Boro than he is with Khun? It’s probably the latter. With Khun, he starts teasing him immediately, but with Boro is more thoughtful. Damn you, Leeso.

So Boro takes Sachi in his arms and leaves the room, with Khun thinking how lucky he is to be able to carry his loved one like that without anyone teasing him, and he will probably have the opportunity to admire his loved one’s sleeping face when they end up alone. Bam, please, just fall asleep and I will do the same for you. Come on.

But his insistent glaring doesn’t reward him with anything. Bam is expectantly waiting for the last movie to play. It’s Tangled and, strangely, Bam is mostly quiet throughout the entire movie. At first, Khun thinks he is too feeling sleepy but, upon further inspection, he seems deep in thought, incredibly interested in what’s developing in front of him. It’s a different kind of interest though, and that makes Khun more invested in watching Bam’s reactions than in the movie itself. Bam starts anxiously caressing Rak’s sleepy head when they get to the scene Gothel makes Rapunzel believe that Flynn Rider betrayed her. Khun can bet Bam is thinking about Rachel, but he would sell Leeso’s kidney in order to know Bam’s exact thoughts.

And at the end, when Flynn Rider recovers from his wounds, Bam’s teary face turns into a small, satisfied and loving smile that makes Khun’s heart incredibly warm and cozy. It wasn’t such a bad idea to watch these old movies, after all. He might need to interrogate Bam tomorrow, though, about this last movie and the thoughts it might have caused in his innocent friend.

But he doesn’t get that chance, ‘cause the next day, the first thing he sees when he wakes up (on the couch, ‘cause he doesn’t know when he and Bam fell sleep on the spot) is Bam’s smile, incredibly near to his own face. “My god, he really woke up!” He claps a few times, jumping in place with odd enthusiasm. “Oh, good morning, Mr. Khun.”

“Good morning…?” What is happening? Khun feels completely disoriented. That’s when Leeso appears next to him too, with a mocking look on his freckled face. Khun frowns, not at all with the energy necessary to bear with his stupidity, whatever is making him smirk like that. “What are you laughing at?”

“Oh, no, nothing.” Yeah, sure. “It’s only that Bam just kissed you in order to wake you up.” Khun’s heart stops when he hears that sentence. He must be kidding, right? Why would Bam kiss him, and furthermore when he is sleeping? He is kind of glad no one else is awake and there to laugh at his embarrassment and credulity. Leeso has to be lying.

However, his suspicions clear up when Bam confirms exactly what Leeso said. “Yes! It was a kiss of true love to wake you up!” Damn, he looks so happy and clueless, there’s no way he notices the real meaning of what he just did. He must have liked those Disney movies a little too much, and the way he is humming that fricking Mulan song is further proof. Dear lord, so that means he had his first kiss with Bam, the love of his life, and he didn’t even noticed it?

And Bam simply leaves him there, oblivious to his worries, and goes wake up Rak and Yihwa to take them back to the wounded’s room. Leeso stays, though, and is still looking at him with mischievous, mocking eyes. “Don’t you dare say anything…” His low, dangerous tone is enough for Leeso to know his place and stay quiet, even if a small smile still lingers in his lips.

Jeez, what is he going to do now that Bam has already kissed him but doesn’t seem to understand why this is such a big event or even why his actions are not so innocent as he might think?

*****

Time passes. They are again at the Hell Train, waiting to arrive at their next destination: the Floor of Death. Everyone is been training hard for their next quest, and they even got a new ally. However, Khun’s biggest concern is not the upcoming challenge, not even the fact that Bam is training into exhaustion every day. No, the thing that’s eating Khun’s brain right now is that every morning he opens his eyes and finds Bam next to him, happily clapping because his true love kisses do wake him up. And everyone knows about it now too. Endorsi keeps glaring daggers at him, and Boro gossips with Leeso through their pockets about his issue. Khun is glad Bam has something to distract him from the fact that they still don’t know where the alligator and the Yeon family girl are, but this is already too much for Khun’s heart.

“Let him be, Khun.” says Boro one day, when Khun bumps into him as he is trying to get himself a cup of coffee. “He is just playing. It seems like he didn’t have a real childhood, so he is just catching up.”

Easy for you to say, Boro, since it’s not you who is getting kissed everyday by a Sachi who doesn’t know what he is doing. Boro is lucky Sachi is not a clueless (but lovely) idiot like Bam is. If Sachi were kissing Boro every morning, then he would simply know things were real between them and that would be the end of it. With Bam, Khun knows nothing. Like Boro himself said, Bam is just playing.

“I think it’s kind of cute.” Of course it’s cute. Bam has always been incredibly cute, and that’s bad for Khun’s heart. So even Boro thinks Bam’s actions are just an innocent game. Only Endorsi (and Leeso, who knows about Khun’s affections and constantly bugs him through their pockets about the current situation, being fed with gossip by Boro) sees this as something more, thus the daggers shooting from her eyes every time someone mentions the topic. “And you are the one he feels the most comfortable with, so it’s only natural for him to be playing with you.”

“Easy to say when you are not the one getting kisses every morning.” And of course Boro simply laughs at him, like it’s not a big deal.

“That sounds great actually. Even though Bam is still a guy, he is a fairly cute one.” Khun might have noticed Boro’s crush in his best friend, but the other doesn’t seem to know Khun is in the same situation with Bam. Not that he will tell him, though. He doesn’t need Leeso 2.0 pestering him all the time.

He really needs to talk this through with Bam. Khun’s heart won’t be able to bear all of this excitement and confusion Bam’s actions are causing in him. So one night, when Bam just finished his training in the Rice Pot, Khun catches him and brings him to his own room, the very same Bam has been invading every day since their cinema party.

“Ok, Bam, now sit down and listen to me closely.” Bam obediently does as he is told. He always does when Khun uses his daddy tone, as he is now. So he sits down next to Bam on his bed, and looks directly into those big caramel eyes, in hopes that helps to convey what he is about to say. “Exactly what happened the night we watched all those Disney movies?”

“What are you talking about, Mr. Khun?” Of course Bam doesn’t know what he is referring to.

“I mean with you, what happened with you? You keep giving me those good morning kisses every day, and sometimes you seem deep in thought too. At first I thought that last thing was because of the alligator, but I’m not so sure anymore. So, what’s with you?”

“I…” Oh no. Bam looks so sad, and it makes Khun instantly regret scolding him (or something. He isn’t really scolding him, is he?) “I’m sorry, I didn’t think the kisses bothered you so much…”

“No!” Bam gets startled by the sudden raise in Khun’s tone. “I mean…” Relax, Khun, deep breaths. “It’s not that they bother me.” He likes the kisses too much, and that’s the worst part. “It’s just I don’t understand why.”

At least Bam is smiling broadly again. “But that’s obvious! They are kisses of true love to wake you up. If you wake up with them, I can be sure everything is alright between us, because it will prove there’s still true love between us.”

Surely Bam understands what kind of love those movies are referring to when they picture the true love kiss and why there wasn’t a kiss between Elsa and Anna even when their relationship also counted as another kind of true love, right? He has to. But how can Khun interrogate him to know exactly why Bam kisses him on the lips every time? He can’t even fully understand the logic behind Bam’s words just now.

Whichever the case, he at least needs to know why Bam seems so deep in thought sometimes since that night. “Then tell me what’s been on your mind lately. It has to do with the movies, right? With Tangled. You reacted different with that movie in particular.”

“Yeah…” Bam wraps his arms around his own knees and his smile turns a little sad, nostalgic even. “It’s just I think I relate to Rapunzel the most, from all the movies we watched. She was trapped all her life, thinking her mother wanted the best for her, but in fact Gothel just wanted to use her and watched for her own interests.”

“That does sound familiar.” Just like Rachel, Khun wants to say, but he doesn’t want to bring that name up yet, even though they both know it’s all about her again.

“Yeah… But even if Rapunzel was trapped and didn’t know anything from the outside world, she never gave up her dreams. In that, Rapunzel too was like Rachel. She wanted to see the floating lights, just like Rachel wants to see the stars. Even though, like Rapunzel’s, her dream is so beautiful and shiny, when did Rachel become like Mother Gothel, using others to accomplish what she wants, not caring about what they might feel? And I started saying I relate to Rapunzel, but I don’t have a shiny dream like her or Rachel. I’m not any near as charming as her…”

Khun can’t believe his ears. Without thinking, he takes one of Bam’s hands between his. “Bam, are you kidding? Remember what you said to me when we just arrived to Kaiser’s station?”

“What did I say?”

“You said you wanted to become a God, so you could help everyone in front of you, including people you don’t even know. How is that not a beautiful dream? It’s the shiniest dream of them all, Bam, much more than seeing lights or stars.”

“You think so?” His entire face lights up, and Khun feels his own heart skip a beat. He doesn’t show it in his face though, like always. Instead he smiles lovingly at the boy.

“I’m sure of it. You are like the sun, and we all gravitate around your brightness. What’s more charming than that?”

Bam giggles, his cheeks slightly pink, and he looks so cute Khun wants to push him down and devour him right there. “Then I have to be grateful of being a sun, if I can have Mr. Khun gravitating around me.”

“Huh?” What did Bam just say?

He is looking at his feet now, and his smile turns kind of nostalgic again. “…Mr. Khun, after Rachel betrayed me and FUG took me in, I thought I had lost everything. I didn’t care if I lived or died. But the memory of you guys… the memory of you, Mr. Khun, made me want to live, if only to see you again. You were… my new dream.”

That phrase, which Eugene told Rapunzel when he thought he was dying, it’s definitely a declaration of love. Bam knows that, right? Can Khun believe it means something more than just being friends or is he being too hopeful? “…and you were mine.” he dares to reply, and instantly feels something warm and soft against his mouth.

It’s really Bam kissing him? This doesn’t feel like his playful true love kisses. This feels real, fully intentional, and Khun can’t help smiling against Bam’s innocent intent on a real kiss. So he must teach him, right? Now that Bam has practically confessed romantic love for him, Khun doesn’t need to hesitate anymore. He grabs Bam’s head in place and kisses back, moving his tongue against those soft lips until they grant him permission to enter. The kiss is long and soft, with Khun simply delighting in Bam’s taste, his small moans and gasps, the trembles of his body against his own. Even if Bam doesn’t seem to quite understand how to reciprocate well, this is perfect. His Bam is perfect.

So, when they part, Khun still keeps him close against his chest, not minding Bam hearing his strange heartbeat. He can sense it is between fast and aroused, and calm and relieved, ‘cause he never thought he would have Bam in his arms like this, after a sharing a tender kiss, their first real kiss. And all thanks to some Disney movies. What an odd thing to say. He would have to sincerely thank Leeso for this. He might have to forgive him for using Bam before. This is pay enough.

“Am I really charming like Rapunzel?” Khun was wondering what Bam would say after the kiss.

“Of course, even more so.” Bam giggles again, now against Khun’s chest. “You are fairly similar. For example, she wanted to sacrifice her freedom in order to let Eugene live, just like you did when you stayed with FUG.”

“That… might be true.”

“Eugene must have felt so desperate at that moment. I won’t let you do that again either. Never again. And the worst part is that I know you would do it again.” Khun looks at him with a completely serious expression, and Bam just laughs nervously. “You would, won’t you?”

“I guess so, hahaha… No, I’m sure I would do it. I won’t let anyone of you die. Especially you, Mr. Khun.”

“Even if it means you dying alive?” Bam nods slowly, but completely convinced of his answer, and Khun can only sigh deeply. “What can I do with you?”

“You could kiss me again.” He doesn’t have to ask. Khun takes those lips again, trying not to feel too aroused though. Bam might know he likes Khun romantically like in the Disney movies, but he still doesn’t know anything about sex, and kissing him on his bed gets wild ideas on Khun’s head that he has to control. “Can I sleep in here today?”

And that petition makes it all even more dangerous, but he complies anyway. He won’t say no to those puppy eyes. “Of course.”

So they turn off the lights and lay inside the sheets together. Bam cuddles against him, and interlaces his fingers with Khun’s. “…You are my new dream, Mr. Khun.” He whispers once more, before falling asleep with a smile on his face.

And you are mine.

Chapter Text

Even with all the hardships in his life, Bam could still call himself a believer of some sorts. He believes in people’s kindness, he believes in his friends and comrades, he even has started believing and not fearing his own strength. And, above all, he believes in Khun, the one he loves with all his heart and who promised to never leave him. The very same man who now sleeps in a coffin made of ice.

Like his favorite princess, Bam was betrayed once again, and his true love was the one to pay the consequences. And very much like Rapunzel, he could not even bring himself to actually punish the witch in his life. He went to her with a firm resolution, but her hurtful words paralyzed him once more, his heart still too wounded and too charged with undying affection for her. Therefore, it is all his fault. He was the one who let his prince be in danger like this. And, if it weren’t because of his natural ice shinsu compatibility, he would literally be… dead.

The thought instantly makes his throat dry, and his heartbeat to shot crazy. “…What can we do to wake him up?” His question goes unanswered for now, but he expected it would be that way. Right now, nobody seems to know what to do. He notices his hands shaking in frustration, in anger against himself, but first and foremost, in fear and lonesomeness.

A tiny little flame of hope rises when Evan gives them an idea. He is obviously not certain that it will work; it is a risky and difficult thing to accomplish. But it’s a start. Yeon flame. There might be someone out there from Yihwa’s family that could cure and wake up his prince. Of course, everyone agrees to at least try it, and Bam can smile with true happiness for the first time since exiting the Hidden Floor. He even celebrated joining hands with Rak and jumping in unison.

But when he is alone again, his mind starts to wonder. His eyes glue themselves to Khun’s sleeping figure. Can’t I wake him up like always did? Something inside of him tells him not to try it yet. He doesn’t dare to try it, choosing to be strong and distract himself with training in the Rice Pot again. He has to be stronger, strong enough to protect his friends, this time for real.

However, and as always, another crisis happens: a bunch of rankers from Jahad’s army are attacking the Hell Train, probably searching for him and other FUG members. They even took his friends hostage… again. One more thing to add to his endless list of Things that are Bam’s fault. His only option for now is to concentrate in saving them as fast as he can. “Our life definitely is a spiral of chaos.” He says into thin air, with a sad smile on his lips. Jeez, now he is starting to develop a habit of talking with some kind of imaginary Khun. It hasn’t been that long and he is already losing his mind without him by his side.

In their leader’s absence, Hwaryun is the one who giving orders and making the necessary plans to accomplish their goal. She is capable, intelligent, and he trusts her completely but… She is not Mr. Khun. No one can compare to him. So even if he is trying to just go on and do his best to save his friends, on the inside, he is deeply afraid of losing yet another loved one. Everything is so hard without Khun to give him support, to make him feel safe as always.

And when it all ends, he not only doesn’t know how or where Yuri is, but… they said his master is dead. That can’t be, not his master. Bam doesn’t need any more pain. He can’t lose another one. After the adrenaline runs out, he feels exhausted and broken. He can’t help crumbling down in tears when Leeso offers him a hug. And even though Karaka, of all people, offers him hope by assuring their master has to be alive, he still feels terrified. His master… How powerful has to be Jahad’s army to be able to defeat someone like his master? Will he be able to rescue him? Will he be able to protect his friends while doing so? He doubts it deeply, and that only widens the void in his chest.

“Mr. Khun… I need you so much… Why aren’t you by my side? You promised you would be…”

“Always.” Khun’s kind smile, the one he only offers to Bam, resonates in his memories.

So when he is alone with his sleeping prince, he rests his head on his arms, crossing them on top of the transparent casket. Maybe… maybe it’s time for him to try it, the thing he always did to wake Khun up in the mornings, the thing he did at every opportunity he had. So why hasn’t he tried it yet? Because he is afraid. He is not stupid: Bam knows reality is much different than fantasies and nice movies. But… he doesn’t want to lose his faith in magic, in love, in something so beautiful such as a kiss of true love. Could something like that really wake Khun up again?

“…It would be wonderful if I could really make you open your eyes with just one kiss of mine.”

A tiny glow of innocent, pure hopefulness lights up inside his still oppressed chest. The scene he is starring in right now brings back memories of those fantasy movies he liked so much, specifically of the final moments of his favorite one, Tangled. Rapunzel looking at Eugene’s unconscious self, crying and singing with the little strength she had left. What was that song that Rapunzel sang? Bam closes his eyes, trying to remember the sweet yet sorrowful melody. The words flow through his lips after a few seconds. “Flower gleam and glow, let your powers shine. Make the clock reverse…”

When he watched the movie, Bam didn’t notice right away how full of regret and longing these lyrics are, just like how he is feeling right now. A heartbreaking song about someone who desperately wants to recover the things they loved and ultimately lost… “Bring back what once was mine…”

His singing sounds awful as his voice starts to break down, upon seeing it has no effect on his sleeping prince. His lower lip quivers and his eyes start to get watery, but none of it stops him. “Heal what has been hurt, change the fates design. Save what has been lost…” His throat feels completely dry, as opposed to his eyes. The last lyric comes out with straining difficulty. “B-Bring back what once was mine…”

With a hand on his chest trying to ease the pain accumulating in that spot, he opens up the transparent coffin with his other, and then slowly caresses Khun’s face. It is freezing cold against his still shaking, sweaty hand, even though he looks like he is just taking a peaceful nap. A lone tear crosses Bam’s left cheek and it falls on Khun’s shirt. “What once… was mine…”

He finishes the song to no avail. Khun’s eyes are still closed, not letting him drown in their calm seas. Neither his singing nor his tears had the effect he hoped. Before his heart crumbles down, he still has something else to try. “Frozen… An act of true love.” He knows his song and his tears could count as that already, but the most classic act of true love is… a kiss.

So he leans on top of his lover’s sleeping figure. Trying to hang onto the tiny scraps of faith that are left for him, he licks his dry lips and presses them against Khun’s. They are cold and lifeless, like they never were before. It might have passed a whole minute there, just trying to blow life back into Khun through this sweet, innocent, almost child-like action.

And when he separates from him and waits a few seconds, the remains of his wounded heart disintegrate. Just a faint spark of hope, which died out without a sound. The whole world stops and everything blurs out. He knows this sensation. Loneliness, a solitude so deep it’s hard for him to even breathe. The cave, his years with FUG, Rachel, now his Master, now Khun…

“Bam?” A well-known voice reaches his ears, and Bam lifts his head searching for it. It’s Leeso, who just entered the room with a concerned look on his freckled face. That’s when Bam realizes he is sobbing hard, his face is bathed in sorrowful tears and his arms are clenching hard at the crystal cover of the coffin. He surely looks like he is hyperventilating.

“He… Mr. Khun didn’t wake up…” It’s hard to speak when whimpers interrupt every word you try to get out from a sore throat. He tries nonetheless. He needs someone to listen, to comfort him. If he can’t have Khun, anyone will do. He just needs to know he is not… utterly alone. “I-I sang to him, I cried… He didn’t wake up… I-I kissed him and he didn’t wake up…!” Through his eyes clouded with tears, he sees Leeso’s figure approaching him. With shaky hands, he tries to reach for him, to reach for something that could give him comfort, anything. He manages to catch a hand, although is not the one with long, elegant fingers he misses so much. Still, it’s warm and welcoming. “Why aren’t my kisses waking him up anymore? Do I not love him enough? Am… A-Am I not enough?”

“Bam, don’t say that…” Leeso pulls Bam in, against his chest and away from the source of his pain. He doesn’t budge even when Bam struggles a bit, not wanting to get away not even one millimeter from Khun. “Khun wouldn’t want to see you like this. He would scold you for saying something like that.”

“I know. I know, but…! I wanted to believe… I avoided trying this for so long because I was afraid it wouldn’t work. And it didn’t… It didn’t! Mr. Khun doesn’t wake up with my kisses anymore…” His voice is again consumed by incontrollable whimpers and he is unable to continue talking. Through the crystalline veil above his pupils, Bam notices Leeso looking at him with a mix of sadness and fondness.

“I can understand why Khun is so in love with you. You are so unbearably cute.” His friend deposits a soft kiss on his forehead and draws little circles on his back, in order to soothe the sorrow that makes his whole body tremble. “I’m sorry you have to go through all of this. I’m sorry for not being there to protect Khun, to help you in battle.”

After a few seconds of just being in his friend’s warm hug, Bam calms down enough to be able to talk again. He cried enough, certainly, but the tears are still falling. However, he needs to let his feelings out through words too. He needs to, or the caught up words will consume his soul. “Mr. Khun… He said my dream was to become a God that could save everyone in need, and that it was the brightest, most beautiful dream, but…” He clutches at Leeso’s tracksuit sleeve and notices his voice is unsteady again. “What does it matter if it’s an impossible dream? I… I can’t even save him or my master. I’m trapped… I’m still trapped in the cave…”

“That’s not true, Bam. It might be difficult, but you still have us, and even if it’s not completely certain, there’s a chance we can wake Khun up. Just leave it to me.”

But Bam isn’t listening. He shakes his head vigorously, his teary eyes full of regret and doubt. “…My true love is not enough to make miracles happen. I’m so sorry, Mr. Khun…”

Leeso sighs, his heart constricting at the sad image in front of him. He takes Bam’s face between both of his hands and forces the boy to look directly into his dead serious eyes. “Bam, listen to me. This is not your fault. You all were tricked by Rachel, Khun included. Your Master was captured because he was with FUG, and it was his choice to fight for you. It is not your fault.”

“But…”

“No buts. Repeat after me: It is not your fault.”

Bam takes in a deep breath. Even if he doesn’t believe it entirely, hearing Leeso trying so hard to ease his burden makes him feel a little better. “It’s… it’s not my fault.”

“That’s right. And you should know by now, and better than any of us actually, how harsh reality is. Sadly, things don’t go as they do in children’s movies. However, and exactly because of that, to keep believing in miracles is important too. We just have to make them happen by ourselves, don’t you think?”

“I think so… Make a miracle by myself.” The phrase lingers in his mind as he closes his eyes, taking deep breaths to calm down the residual sobs.

“I would say I’m sorry to have had you watch those movies and fuel unreal fantasies in you, but, truth is, I don’t regret it at all.” Another soft, comforting kiss on his forehead and a rough hand petting his hair, and all of it makes Bam smile slightly. “Don’t ever lose your innocence, Bam. No matter what happens, I want you to preserve this pure heart of yours, and I know for sure that’s what Khun wants too.”

“But… it’s not real. That, or my love is not enough yet, and that possibility would just break my heart even more…”

“It’s not that it’s not enough, Bam. You just have to use it in another way, to make a miracle come true. Transform it into strength, determination. Strength to wait for us to save Khun, determination to get stronger in order to save your master along us. We will make the miracle happen, you’ll see.”

“I will… I will get stronger.”

“And now let’s go get you some food. You need to sleep too. When he wakes up, Daddy Khun will know all about this, how you neglected yourself and said bad things about yourself, and he will scold you for treating yourself poorly.” That sentence manages to make Bam laugh a little, but his voice still sounds strained and painful. Leeso breaks apart from him a little and takes Bam’s hands between his. He squeezes them tightly, trying to give him support. “Now please smile, Bam. I might be the second leader when Khun is not available, but it’s your smile that keeps us going forward. I already told you: your smile is like a ray of sunshine, just like Anna’s or Rapunzel’s.”

“Mr. Leeso…” and he tries, he tries hard to smile as Leeso is asking him to, because he knows he is right. He has to keep the remaining team together, for Khun and for the ones he now doesn’t even know where they are. He tries but fails miserably, the pain in his heart still too much to endure with a fake smile. “Can we… stay like this for a while longer…? I know I already cried in your arms after my master was captured, and now too, but I… I really hoped Mr. Khun would wake up… with my kiss…”

Then uncontrollable sobs take hold of his chest again, making it difficult to say anything anymore or even breathe properly. So Leeso wraps him in his arms once more, a chest with a distinctive aroma that, even if it’s not the one he wants to sense right now, it makes him feel safe and cared about nonetheless. “I want Mr. Khun back… I need him back.”

“And I will make sure we have him back. You just have to concentrate in training to bring your Master back too. Together we will make the miracles happen, ok? With our own hands.” Bam nods into his chest, tears still falling across his reddened cheeks.

They will do it. They have to do it. He still can believe in magic, right? In the magic their love will cast to save Khun and his master, because even if it’s harder and less romantic than a kiss, it’s still an act of true love.

*****

Two years passed and Bam still holds on to his believing heart. This time, he believes in magic, yes, but the magic brought by their united efforts as a team, as a family. The miracle caused by their collective true love, as he agreed with Leeso. And today, after two lonesome years of concentrating only in his part of the miracle, the long-waited call reached his Pocket. He can’t hear that yearned voice yet, but he knows he can trust Leeso’s words. He would never joke about this. Khun… Khun had woken up, and Bam will be able to meet him today.  He maintains his calm, almost zen façade, like his new, temporary master taught him, although his heart is racing on his chest.

But when he arrives at the station, followed by DengDeng and Louie, he can help his bright happiness reflect on his features. There he is, his most beloved person, alive and well. Unlike when he was still sleeping, his cobalt blue eyes are staring at him fondly, and that confident smile makes his heart beat faster once again. And Khun even comments on his new hairstyle, rubbing some long strands of chestnut hair between his graceful fingers. A pleasant tingling runs through Bam’s spine.

And when they are alone, Bam, at Khun’s request, tells him everything that happened after Khun fell asleep. Khun listens in silence as Bam narrates all these events with an unwavering smile on his face, like all the hardships they had to face were just anecdotes. The fact is, he is still too hyped up by Khun’s return and he is unable to connect with his still lingering sadness. At the end of his enthusiastic monologue, Khun lets out a prolonged sigh. “I can’t believe I wasn’t there with you when you were going through all of that.”

“Oh, it’s alright, Mr. Khun. You are here now, and that’s all that matters.” Bam says with a reassuring smile, but Khun seems suspicious. Bam is not lying though. Then why is Khun looking at him like that? He really is glad Khun is here. Nothing else matters if he is back.

But Khun, as always, is sharper than anyone. “Then why are you keeping your distance from me?”

“Eh?” What is Khun talking about? Is he really keeping his distance? He hadn’t noticed at all but, now that he says it, it’s true. He hasn’t even hugged him yet. He avoided doing so in the station too, but he convinced himself it was because DengDeng and Louie were there and a gesture like that one would just be uncomfortable for them to watch. Not that those things stopped him in the past though, so why would they do it now? Because that’s not the reason why.

“What’s wrong? Tell me, Bam.” Oh, how he missed Khun’s commanding voice. He missed everything about him. Of course he wants to hug Khun, to touch him, to kiss him… but that final thought makes him shiver and back down. Sadly, Khun interprets his involuntary gestures in an unwanted way. “You resent me, right? Bam, you have all the right in the world to resent me. Don’t feel bad about it. You probably can’t help it.”

Khun’s voice sounds so understanding, yet still a little hurt. “What? No! I don’t think you are at fault at all!” He is sure about that, but he still hesitates to tell the real reason behind his actions. He knows, deep down, what that is. But saying it…

“Then what?”

But Bam can’t let Khun think it is because he is disappointed in him. He would never blame Khun, even if he did felt unbearably lonely without him. So he must say it, even if it pains him to do so. He can’t let Khun have such a hurt look on those deep blue eyes that stare directly, expectantly at him. “I’m… I’m the one who let you down.”

His voice sounds much less confident than how he expected it to be, and the confused look on Khun’s face makes him think, at first, that he didn’t even hear the words he slurped. “What are you talking about, Bam?”

And so he explodes. “My kiss! It didn’t wake you up! I tried to… do an act of true love to wake you up… I sang, I cried, I kissed you… None of it worked!” It was to be expected he would explode when interrogated. He has been bottling up all these feelings inside ever since he last talked with Leeso in person. Even if he did complain to Leeso over the phone through these two years, he never allowed himself to cry again. So the tears just flow through his trembling cheeks, uncontrolled. Khun seems surprised but lets Bam finish his outburst. “Then I thought… I thought my true love wasn’t enough to save you, and that I had let you down…” He hears Khun whisper his name, voice full of concern. “I don’t deserve to touch you. If my kisses aren’t filled with enough love, then I don’t deserve to kiss you at all.”

“Bam.” He flinches at the sound of his name. Khun’s voice is firm this time, like he is scolding him, and Bam doesn’t dare to look him in the eye. He is embarrassed. Leeso already told him it wasn’t his fault, that he shouldn’t blame himself. He can’t help it though. “You know it’s not your fault, right? Rachel is the one at fault, and no one but her. She deceived me, she deceived all of us.”

“I know it’s silly, it’s irrational, but I can’t forget how useless I was when you needed me the most. And my true love… it didn’t wake you up.” Even though he still feels like he doesn’t deserve touching Khun, he can’t brush Khun’s hand away when he offers it. Bam takes it and lets himself be lead onto Khun’s lap. His head now rests on top of Khun’s forehead, and the warmth emanating from his lover’s body makes him finally feel safe, after two excruciating years of waiting. “Mr. Khun…” Tears dwell in his golden eyes again and a soft sob comes through his dry lips. “You are finally here…”

“Yes I am.” A short kiss gets placed on his cheek, and Bam is sure Khun wanted to kiss him on the lips, but is paying respect to his still lingering self-doubts. “Bam, I’m sure you know life is not like the movies. I adore the fact that you want so desperately to believe in those things, but you can’t let your innocence define your self-worth when things don’t go as you hoped. Of course a kiss won’t wake me up in a life threatening situation, but your kisses give me life everyday nonetheless. They push me onwards, even in the darkest times. They will always feel like magic, Bam.” Upon hearing those words, Bam finally lets his happiness show brightly on his face, not feeling any hint of embarrassment, although his cheeks are still stained with traces of tears. Khun does feel embarrassed, though. “Jeez, your cheesiness is contagious, apparently. Well, if it makes you happy, I don’t care.”

“It does!” Bam finally throws himself at Khun’s arms, as he kept on dreaming of doing through all these months, and involuntarily pushes him onto the bed. He has to remember he is much stronger now, although Khun is still physically strong as a member of the Ten Families. “I love you so much…”

Perceiving himself finally in Khun’s arms, Bam can’t help crying once again, now that he knows everything is alright between them. The relief makes everything pour out, and Khun simply caresses his back, patiently waiting for him to calm down. “Sorry…” Bam cuddles against Khun’s chest, his own heart relaxing as he hears his lover’s steady heartbeat. Khun is warm… Khun is not freezing cold… Khun is alive. We woke him up. Our love woke him up. A small smile appears on his lips and he closes his eyes, loosing himself on his senses. Each of them is overflowed with Khun. “…Sorry, now I’m really ok.”

“Are you sure? You can cry some more if you want.” Bam moves his body on top of Khun’s in order to look at Khun’s face. It’s obvious he is still worried, but Bam can also notice how happy Khun is to be here, with him. It’s easy to understand since Bam feels the same.

“No. Mr. Leeso already had to bear with all my weeping, even over the phone.” Bam manages to laugh between his still falling tears and residual sobs.

“I will have to thank him then, for caring about you when I wasn’t able to. It’s still frustrating to know you had to go through all of that and I was just sleeping.”

“You were in a coma.” Corrects Bam immediately, but Khun brushes off his statement.

“Same thing. The thing is that I wasn’t with you when you needed me the most, and I can’t just forgive myself for that.” Well, Khun was just saying Bam shouldn’t blame himself for things out of his control, but Khun can, right? Bam is not going to mention it, though. He doesn’t want to ruin the moment. “He didn’t do anything inappropriate, right?”

“Hmm? Mr. Leeso? No, of course not. He was really supportive. Like what?”

Strangely, Khun just looks away. “Nothing, nothing. It’s just you are so cute I sometimes forget Leeso doesn’t look at you like that.” Bam just stares at him, not understanding at all. “Don’t mind me.” Then Khun pets his hair gently, making Bam get pleasured goosebumps. “Bam, even if life proves to be a bitch, don’t ever lose your innocence, ok? I’ll do my best to protect it.”

Bam giggles and, at last, allows himself to kiss Khun. They melt into the kiss, one that it really does feel like magic. A magic that finally soothes his longing heart.

*****

“I demand we all take this afternoon off!” suddenly shouted Leeso, upon entering in Khun’s studio, while dragging a wounded Rak and an exhausted Bam behind him. “If not, most likely these two will train until they kill themselves.”

His blue eyes leave the screens to stare at the group at his door. “What did these idiots do this time?” Rak starts barking something incomprehensible as he always does, while Bam just giggles when he notices Khun’s annoyed look. “Don’t laugh, Bam, it’s not funny. And shut up, gator, you are worsening my headache.”

“Exactly what I said: Bam trained so much he can’t even walk properly, and Rak came out of the training room covered in wounds. I bandaged him up, but I don’t know what he was doing in there.”

“And we probably don’t want to know either.” completes Khun.

Well, Leeso is correct: they might need a break. Everyone has been training hard for their imminent war with Jahad, especially Bam, since he also plans to go against Yama if the Slayer doesn’t agree to let DengDeng free (which is almost certain). His baby Bam could be so stubborn and suicidal sometimes. Khun can’t help letting out a deep sigh at the thought. On his part, Khun, along with Leeso, has been invested in their plans and contact making for the last few days they have been flying towards Yama’s hideout. An acute pain has installed permanently on his skull, and he has started fearing he might go blind after all the hours he has spent in front of his lighthouse at night.

But most importantly, and although he is still trying to muffle his chuckles, Bam looks really tired. There is no way Khun will allow Bam to train until he passes out. He always does that when he is afraid and doesn’t want to let it show, so a nice and relaxing afternoon with the rest of their team would be perfect for Bam. Ok, he still has a lot of work to do for their plan against Yama does succeed, but he has to help calm down Bam. Everything else can wait. He sighs one more time, massaging his own temple. “Ok, let’s take the rest of the day off.”

“Yay! I knew if I showed you Bam in this state you would say yes!” What does that mean? Stupid Leeso. Well, he might be right. Khun is aware that he gives Bam special treatment. “We should do something nice then!”

“I want Disney, like we did that last time!” intervenes Bam, full of enthusiasm. Disney movies again? Ok, is not that bad, and if Bam wants it, Khun will gladly agree. Strangely enough, Leeso’s face goes dark when he hears that.

“…Are you sure, Bam? I know I was the one to propose it last time, but…” What’s the problem about watching children’s movies? Khun doesn’t understand, but keeps himself from asking. He can interrogate Leeso later, when Bam is not listening. Just in case.

“Yeah! Don’t worry, Mr. Leeso, I want to watch them now.”

“Ok, if you say so, Disney movies it is!” Leeso’s happy outburst leads to him dropping Rak and Bam completely onto the ground. When Khun hears both of them groan in pain, he immediately bumps Leeso on the head. “Ouch! Sorry, daddy Khun, I know you don’t like your baby Bam being mistreated.”

“Shut up, don’t call me that.” After glaring icily at his friend, his facial expression changes completely when he looks at Bam. He then crouches in front of him, with his back facing the boy on the floor. “Get on my back, Bam. I’ll take you to the living room.”

Khun can’t help smirking when he imagines the probably embarrassed expression on Bam’s cute face. “What? No! You are exhausted as well, and I can walk!” Bam gets up immediately, but it’s clear he is having trouble with standing up for long. “See? I’m alright!”

“Come on, Bam, hop.” Everyone knows Bam can be pretty stubborn when he wants to be, but Khun isn’t going to back down either. “I’m not that tired, not physically at least, so let me help you, ok? You like to be spoiled after all, don’t you?” Bam falls silent when he hears that, his cheeks probably turning a little red. Then quietly goes to Khun and hops on his back. “Good boy.”

He can hear Bam’s smile at his back. Bam has indeed become bigger after those two years they were apart: he is roughly the same height as Khun now, maybe even a few centimeters taller, and has gained more muscle than before, but it’s still nothing that a member of the Ten Families can’t handle, and of course he is still the same insanely cute creature he fell in love with. The same one that’s now relaxing against his back, spreading a warm feeling across Khun’s entire being.

Trying to distract himself from his infatuated with Bam thoughts, Khun looks to his side. Leeso is there, looking at him with a knowingly, mocking smile. Yeah, I know I have a soft spot for Bam. Khun’s icy glare makes Leeso reevaluate his attitude though. Apparently, Leeso made himself responsible for carrying Rak, as Khun did with Bam. Khun is thankful: that way he doesn’t have to trouble himself with the loud alligator and they can reach the living room faster. The miniature crocodile is surprisingly calm too. Perhaps Rak did like those children movies, although he will never admit it. Well, of course he liked them; he even danced around and sang that Mulan song with Bam. He is definitely excited to watch more of those movies, alright.

The group arrives at the living room, where the two canine children already are. They still look kind of nervous, and Khun can’t blame them. Bam’s decision to confront Yama if he doesn’t give them freedom is almost suicide, after all. The kids watch in confusion how Khun and Leeso leave Bam and Rak on the couches. “What happened? Why are they so tired?” asks Louie, the more expressive of the two, while DengDeng just stares in silence. Bam simply smiles at him and pets his head, probably sensing the tension and trying to alleviate it a bit.

It’s Leeso who gives them some enlightenment. “Since everyone is worn-out and we still have a few days before reaching Yama, Daddy Khun allowed us to take the rest of the day off. Sooooo we are watching movies~ It will be movies you two can watch too, so don’t worry.” Louie shows his interest without restrain and asks questions about the films they will be watching, and even DengDeng looks kind of excited too. There is a special sparkle in his otherwise unexpressive eyes. Khun sees Bam notices it too, by the way he is smiling at the most quiet one of the two kids.

“There you go, Bam. Relax yourself while Leeso and I go get the others and some snacks.” Bam smiles warmly at him and gets comfortable on the couch, while the children (mostly Louie) start interrogating Bam now. Apparently, Leeso said the titles they would watch were a surprise and didn’t give them more information, leaving them pretty frustrated. “Let’s go, Leeso.”

Both men leave the room and head towards the kitchen. On the way, Leeso messages Hatz, Hockney and Kaiser, although Khun doubts that serious woman would want to join them in something so childish. He mentally thanks Leeso doesn’t invite the snake guy and his companion. Aside from own dislike for that man, Khun knows Bam doesn’t like that guy either. He is sure it is not because he is extremely loud and annoying, since Bam doesn’t have any problems with Rak. It’s probably because Bam associates white snakes with, well, White. Khun lets out a deep sigh. Thank God that psycho is not here either, or Bam would be always on edge.

Khun shakes the thoughts about that bastard away. He doesn’t want to think about the guy who looks at Bam with so much sadistic desire. Then he remembers something else. “Hey, Leeso,” Khun gets his friend’s attention when they enter the kitchen and start collecting the appropriate snacks. “why weren’t you stupidly excited when Bam suggested watching Disney again? The first time you literally forced me to watch them with you guys, after all.”

Leeso stops smiling abruptly. Khun was right: something was wrong. “Ah, about that, I also wanted to ask you something. Are you sure Bam is fine with watching Disney movies again?” Khun looks at Leeso with no expression on his face, waiting for him to explain himself further. Bam loved those sappy films. Why wouldn’t he want to watch more? The answer comes soon enough. “Through these two years, I didn’t have the courage to even mention them around him. Bam was so devastated when he couldn’t wake you up with a kiss like he used to. I don’t know if he told you, but he thought his true love for you wasn’t enough, that he was to blame for not being able to wake you up like the characters in those movies did with their loved ones. It broke my heart seeing him so sad, and on the verge of falling into more self-hatred.”

“Oh, he is fine. We already talked about that,” Khun is still worried about him though, and blames himself for leaving Bam alone when he was going through of all, but he knows Bam understood. The kisses and caresses they shared that time had told him so. “and I think he still loves those concepts, although he sees them in a more realistic way now. I’m glad he is still as pure-hearted as ever.” He makes a pause, trying to overcome his pride and self-blaming. “Thank you… for caring about him, for not letting him lose his hope and innocence.”

Khun immediately regrets saying it when he sees Leeso’s wide, goofy and teary smile, and especially when he has to push Leeso away before he manages to strangle him with a hug. “Ow, man, you don’t have to thank anything. It was the least I could do. I wasn’t there when you two needed it the most.” It seems all three of them blame themselves of things that are out of their control, even though neither of them have any problem with telling the other that those things aren’t their fault. Fools, that’s what they are, all three of them. “I’m glad this didn’t ruin anything for Bam.”

“Yeah… Now no matter what happens, I’m not going to leave him alone, never again.” Then he remembers something that came to his mind when he was alone with Bam, but never got to verify. “That reminds me, you didn’t do anything to Bam, right?”

Leeso swallows slowly. Khun’s gaze could probably freeze him to death. “To Bam? O-Of course not! Who do you think I am!? I wouldn’t take advantage of an emotionally damaged boy!”

His next words paralyze Leeso completely and make him shiver in place. “You better not, because if you touch Bam, you are dead, but not before long, long hours of torture. That applies for anyone else, for that matter.”

“Jeez, Khun, I didn’t know you were such a psycho. Poor Bam who knows nothing about this side of yours. He is cute,” Of course he is. He is the cutest. Khun doesn’t say it out loud though, letting Leeso explain himself. “but I wouldn’t do anything to him, even if you weren’t around to, well, threaten me, like the psycho you are! Bam is like a little brother to me, a cute little brother who I’m glad I managed to protect while you were out cold.”

“Mmm… I’ll believe in you, for now.” That makes Leeso audibly sigh in relief. “Bam is so innocent he might not even notice if someone touches him inappropriately. I can’t help but worry.”

A mischievous smile comes across Leeso’s face. “Then you should teach him soon all about those things. I don’t think you would find it troublesome, hehehe.”

“Don’t laugh like a pervert.” Khun says that, but he is smiling too. He might teach those things to Bam soon, even if it’s not for the perverted purposes Leeso is implying. “We better go soon. The others should be waiting with Bam and the alligator.”

“Sure! I think we already have enough food and drinks.” But when they reach the door, Leeso stops suddenly. Khun gives him an annoyed look, but the expression in his friend’s face makes him relax again. “Man, I love both Bam and you. Sorry for not being there.”

Khun starts walking away. That way Leeso can’t see his smile. “…I already told you. Thank you for being there for him.”

He hears Leeso sobbing loudly, and then an effusive hug almost throws him face to the ground. “Khun, my love!!!” Leeso doesn’t care and keeps laughing when Khun shoves him away, neither caring when he has to pick up snacks he was carrying. That’s why you can’t say anything nice to him.

Khun sighs deeply, but there’s still a kind smile on his face.

The group is now reunited at the living room, and Khun is glad the snake guy wasn’t there indeed. One less annoyance to deal with. Regarding the others, Kaiser is sitting in a corner, with a serious expression as always, Hatz is chatting with Bam and the kids, and Hockney does the same with Rak. It has always impressed Khun how Hockney is capable of making Rak seem normal for a while, just like Bam can. With everyone else is just yell after yell with that loud alligator.

Bam’s face lights up immediately when he notices Khun’s presence in the room. With a beautiful smile, the boy signals him to sit by his side on the couch. He gladly makes himself comfortable there, and it doesn’t take more than a few minutes for Bam to cuddle into him. Khun pets Bam’s hair gently and feels him relax against his shoulder. Nobody gives them any attention except for the children, who seem perplexed but don’t say anything. Bam doesn’t seem to care about their reactions, so he won’t care either.

They have to decide what to watch first. That’s when Rak makes clear his favorite one was Mulan, so he insists in watching it again. After taking some time to get Rak to understand they won’t be watching again any of the movies they already saw, since there are a lot of things they haven’t seen yet, they settle with Brave first, and then Sleeping Beauty. While watching that movie is when something unexpected happens. Someone who didn’t say a thing until now raises her voice.

 “…Being a princess like these girls would be a dream. You could love someone freely, marry him and be happy ever after. It would have been… so nice.” Khun is deeply surprised when he hears Kaiser commenting about the movie. He didn’t think she would be interested in this kind of things. Everyone else seems shocked too. Kaiser’s servant told them all about her past, how she couldn’t be a Jahad Princess because she fell in love. Of course she would think Disney princesses had dream lives.

“But you would have to marry someone even if you didn’t want to.” mentions Hatz, taking a mouthful of popcorn. “You would have to fight for your own hand, like Merida.”

“And you think I would have any trouble defeating foolish men?” Her cocky but gorgeous smile makes Khun respect her even more. God, she really deserved to be a Jahad Princess, instead of the violent and nothing gracious Endorsi. Said girl would try to murder him for saying that, he can even hear Endorsi’s voice in his mind.

“Of course not! Miss Kaiser is incredibly strong!” Bam would know, since he fought her in the past. And then his master bought her for him. So that makes her Bam’s? Khun can’t help but frown at the thought. That beautiful woman is Bam’s possession now, and that makes Khun jealous for no coherent reason. “Are you enjoying the movies, Miss Kaiser?”

“Yes, they are nice. I was in that station for years, so I didn’t know any of these.”

Then Bam starts telling her about his own lack of knowledge too and how Leeso and Boro presented these marvelous things to him. He seems so happy that someone else is experiencing this for the first time like he did, even more so when the children confess they didn’t know any of these films either. After sighing quietly, Khun smiles without noticing. Seeing Bam this happy makes him happy too, after all. Khun knows Bam is his, he doesn’t doubt it, so he won’t do anything so uncool like getting jealous and angry just because Bam tends to be overly friendly with others sometimes. If it was Rachel, though… Things would be different.

And as Khun expected, Bam is again mesmerized by the final scene: Aurora awakening by a kiss of true love. His huge golden eyes sparkle while glued to the television. On his part, Khun has to confess he isn’t looking at the screen at all, just because looking at Bam’s reactions is much more interesting. And then Bam turns his head to look at him with the same shining eyes. Without the need for words, Khun already knows what he is going to do, and he doesn’t have any intention of stopping him. He feels a warm sensation run through his body when Bam cuddles against him again and looks directly into his eyes, like he is pleading for that action, the act of true love. How could he resist such a face? So he does as he is expected to do: he takes Bam’s face between his hands and places a soft, superficial kiss on his lips. He meant to be something quick, even if he did want to kiss Bam all night long if he could, but Bam is the one to keep him in place, continuing with that sweet kiss for a long moment and blatantly ignoring the rest of the people in the room.

“Hey, don’t go showing off in front of the lonely ones!” He hears Leeso say, with fake sadness in his voice. By the sounds the others make, they seem to agree with him. Khun’s heartbeat shots a little faster when Bam’s laughs softly against his lips. So cute, it only makes him want to continue with what they are doing. “Well, we have to be thankful it is an innocent kiss and not that type of kiss.”

“Idiot, there are children here.” He hears Hatz say now. He probably bumped Leeso on the head, by the pained groan heard afterwards. Khun, without parting from Bam, looks around a little, just to see the two children with shocked expressions on their faces.

“What? What kind of kiss?” He is a little frustrated when Bam breaks apart from him, but seeing him so curious about what Leeso implied makes him feel a little… well, hot. Bam is just too innocent to imagine what kind of things crossed Leeso’s mind, and now Khun’s, which are much worse. “Mr. Khun, tell me, I know you know. You know everything.”

“…I’ll tell you later.” Is all he can answer, as he gathers all his self-control to not simply throw himself on top of this pure boy and devour him. He hears Leeso whistling in the background, so he throws a pillow his way which effectively shuts him up.

He didn’t count with the stupid alligator making Bam’s curiosity stronger, though. “Blue Turtle wants to mate. He is spreading pheromones.”

Khun can only look at Rak with annoyance, since he doesn’t have any other pillow to throw. Leeso cracks up laughing loudly, Hockney and Hatz laugh a little too. Jeez, even Kaiser is trying to conceal her soft chuckles. Only the kids are too surprised (and confused, just like Bam) to react to Rak’s remark. “Phero… Phe--- what are those?”

“Nothing, Bam, just stupid Rak’s nonsense as always. And don’t just laugh there! Leeso, could you put the next damn movie, please?”

Leeso just answers with an ok, ok still interrupted by his own laugh, as he stands up to play the next film. This time it is Beauty and the Beast, and he has to endure Leeso’s energetic but awful singing of Be our guest. It doesn’t surprise him when Bam and Rak join him when they vaguely memorize the melody. Even Hockney and the kids join them in the end. Well, it’s not so bad if he can hear Bam singing happily again. So unbearably cute.

When they are reaching the end of the movie, and after being delighted once again by the kiss of true love that saves the Beast, Bam whispers for only Khun to hear. “It’s so beautiful, don’t you think, Mr. Khun? How people can change because of love.”

Imitating Bam, because he knows he will say something sappy again and he doesn’t want Leeso, the alligator or the Seppuku bastard to mock him again, he whispers back: “Well, we are not alike in the slightest, me and the Beast, but you did change me like Belle did with him. If not for you, I think I would have continued to be distrustful of everyone around me, and I wouldn’t have… the family I have now.” Wow, it’s incredible how Bam’s pure-hearted reactions make Khun say such silly, sappy things. He clears his throat, trying to sound cool again. “Well, considering the family I had before, anything would be an improvement, but still.”

He wasn’t prepared to hear Bam’s next words, which he says in a louder tone, totally disregarding the fact that they were whispering because they were saying embarrassing things, after all. “Then we could dance like they did! In a grand hall, and with Mr. Khun in an elegant suit. You would look so handsome~” Bam claps two times, giggling happily. Khun smiles proudly at the unconscious compliment he receives. “Should I wear a dress like Belle’s?”

“Eh?” Everyone stops what they are doing just to stare at Bam, after hearing something like that, said so casually. Khun is equally shocked, although probably for other reasons. Now he can’t help picturing Bam with a dress… and the things he could do with Bam in that dress.

Khun shakes his head vigorously when he hears Leeso talk, after a few seconds of silence, seconds in whom Bam apparently doesn’t get what’s so surprising about what he said. “Bam, I sincerely think you would look cute with anything, but I don’t think you would pass for a woman. You are fairly tall and slightly muscular now, after all.” Leeso is probably voicing everyone’s opinion. It’s confirmed when everyone else nods at his words.

“Oh, it’s not that I want to look like a woman, but how else can I get that effect while we dance, without the frilly long dress? I mean that thing with the dress going woo~” Bam makes a swirl with his finger in front of him, and Khun feels himself exploding from the inside. If it ends up happening, Bam’s extreme cuteness will be at fault. “Like that!~”

Bam’s adorability will definitely kill him one day. His enthusiastic smile is already melting his heart. He still keeps his cool outside, as he is used to do, even though in the inside he just wants to take Bam in his arms and take him somewhere they can be alone. Maybe then he could teach him about the other type of kiss Leeso was referring to. He still answers Bam’s question seriously, after clearing his throat again. “You can get a similar effect with a really long, frilly coat, especially if you put a crinoline underneath. I can prepare it for you if you want.”

“Really!? Then we’ll do it like that.” Another few claps, and then his head rests on Khun’s shoulder again. “Thank you, Mr. Khun. I look forward to dance with you.” A soft kiss places on his cheek, and Khun’s heart skips a beat, even if it doesn’t show on his face, as always. “You really are like a prince.”

“I feel like we are playing the violin again.” suddenly mumbles Kaiser, for everyone surprise and posterior laughter. So she can make jokes too, huh? It’s probably because of being with Bam and the rest. This lovely but sometimes obnoxious family of his has this effect on people.

Again is getting awfully late, and the kids are already falling asleep. They complained a little though, when Hatz got them to get up from the couches to go sleep on their beds. They wanted to continue watching these movies. What’s with Disney that everybody gets so excited to watch it? Khun can’t comprehend it at all, but he does enjoy it just by seeing everyone’s reactions. Especially Bam’s reactions, of course. He can’t help but laughing a little when Hatz has to practically drag both of them, between their resistance and their grogginess. “Oh, don’t worry. We’ll only watch one more. After all, we are tired as well.” With Bam’s words, the kids calm a little and Hatz can take them to their rooms with more ease.

“Ok then, what do we watch last?” asks Leeso, acting as the host just like last time.

After thinking about it a little, Khun remembers one movie in particular they haven’t watched and Bam would probably enjoy. “What about Little Mermaid?”

“Oh, Khun my love! I didn’t think you would be so into this!” Khun just glares at him in silence, effectively making him tremble a little. “L-Little Mermaid it is then!”

Then came the part he thought Bam would most strongly react to: Part of your world. It is incredible Khun still remembers these movies well enough to identify accurately which parts would be Bam’s favorites. Ariel’s music number, as he expected, seems to move Bam’s heart. He grabs Khun’s arm firmly as his honey-colored eyes stuck glued to the screen which plays the emotive scene. They sparkle, like they have tears retained in them.

“I… I was like that too.” Khun knew Bam would comment this with him Again he is speaking quietly, and even seems a little embarrassed by what he is saying. Silly Bam, no one would think wrong about what he feels. “When I was in the cave, Rachel told me many things about the outside world. They didn’t make much sense to me, nor did they matter much if I could be with her, but…” Khun flinches at the mention of that name. He clutches his hands although he doesn’t show his anger in his face. “But what I really wanted was to be with her longer, to be part of her world. I should have known something was wrong because she could have taken me with her to the outside, but she didn’t…”

“Bam, you didn’t know anything. She was the one who took advantage of your cluelessness.”

A soft yet sad smile appears on Bam’s lips, and once again Khun feels the urge to torture that little bitch for making Bam have an expression like this one. He swallows his bitter insults though. “I know, I shouldn’t blame myself for things outside my control, right? But still… I could have spared us so much pain, so many years apart. The worst part is that, even now, I think I still want to know. Know about Rachel’s world, the world I was trapped in.”

“Bam…” Khun can’t resist the need to pet Bam’s head and make him lean on his shoulder. Fortunately, Bam accepts his gesture gladly.

“But the one who made me want to be a part of something, for real, was you, Mr. Khun.” That takes Khun by surprise. He even stops the caresses on Bam’s chestnut hair, unconsciously. “You taught me so much stuff, you were so patient with me, and you woke up my curiosity. Everything was new to me, and I wanted to know more and more. I wanted you to teach me, not anyone else. I didn’t acknowledge it at first, because of Rachel, but that was the truth. Ever since the test floor, I wanted to be part of your world.”

Khun can’t say anything for a few seconds, although it seems Bam isn’t expecting any kind of answer. He just continues watching the movie play in front of his still teary eyes. He didn’t know Bam held him in such high esteem ever since they first met. He always thought he was friendly with everyone, sure, but all he cared about was Rachel. Well, it shouldn’t have surprised him though. Bam did spent years with FUG just to protect them. Of course he cared a lot about his friends, even if Rachel still used up a lot of space in his heart. If only he had been the one in that cave with Bam. He would have taken him to the outside immediately, not allowing him to live on such poor condition any longer. Bam wouldn’t have to be so afraid of Khun one day not returning to his side, like he suffered with Rachel. And he could have taught him everything from scratch. It would have been so fulfilling. No Rachel, just the two of them. And then their extended family, of course.

“But now you are a part of my world, Bam. I’m here, and I’ll never leave you again.” Bam’s sweet smile makes everything better, even if his fantasies of meeting Bam before Rachel did will never become true. From now on, he won’t let Bam stray himself into Rachel’s world ever again. They would never be apart again.

His thoughts get interrupted by a lively music. Well, he should have anticipated a little karaoke would happen again when Under the sea started playing. Of course Leeso starts singing and then the others join when they get some of the melody and lyrics. Even Kaiser seems eager to join: the movements of her hands at the music’s tempo don’t fool Khun, but she manages to resist temptation in the end. It seems Khun isn’t the only one who tries to looks cool all the time. He can’t help to laugh a little under his breath, his gesture going unnoticed by everyone else.

“We should have a real karaoke session sometime!” Says Leeso in the middle of the song, and everyone agrees, especially Bam and Rak. Well, it isn’t a bad idea. Since Bam is so excited about it, he might suggest it when they have free time again.

That’s when the door suddenly opens up. Everyone freezes in place, except for Kaiser. “Of course it was you guys who kept making a ruckus! What the hell are you kids doing at this hour? Go to sleep already!” It’s Karaka, with a deeply disapproving look on his yellow eyes. Leeso tries to complain, but the tin man is already dragging him and Hockney out of the room. “I don’t want to hear excuses! You don’t let me sleep and you should be in bed already!”

“Mr. Tin man is like a nagging mother, don’t you think, Khun?” Leeso’s comment, even if fitting and hilarious, gets him a smack on the head.

“Don’t drag me into this.” Simply answers Khun, a little embarrassed because he was also thinking it is really late and they should sleep soon. They’ll be arriving at Yama’s tomorrow, after all. So he is kind of grateful he didn’t have to say anything, or Leeso would be calling him daddy Khun again. At least he wasn’t the nagging mother, as Leeso described Karaka. So he stands up and starts organizing the place a bit before going to bed. Kaiser is already leaving the room, after a respectful inclination of the head.

It’s Bam who apparently resists the most. “But Mr. Karaka, we haven’t finished the movie yet!” Bam pouts a little as he holds onto the couch, trying to not be dragged away from the room like the others. “I need to know the ending!”

“I don’t want to hear it, Viole! Go to sleep!” Bam still looks determined, stubborn as always, but Khun’s hand on his back makes him relax a little.

So everyone except Khun, who leaves on his own accord (and Kaiser, who left earlier), gets dragged outside of the room by a still furious Karaka. It seems he really couldn’t sleep because of them being so noisy. Khun would pity him if he wasn’t such an annoying bastard in the past. Deeply disappointed, everyone just sighs and starts walking the hallway towards the rooms.

Bam seems the most disappointed, though. He is looking at the floor and dragging his feet forward without any energy. “I wanted to know the ending…”

“Ow, Bam, don’t be sad. We can watch it again sometime.” Leeso puts a hand on his shoulder, trying to cheer him up.

“It has a happy ending? The Little Mermaid.”

Seeing Leeso doubting about what to answer, Khun intervenes. “Of course it does. Each and every Disney movie has a happy ending, Bam. Like Leeso said, we will watch it again sometime soon.” With that, Bam seems satisfied and starts walking faster, humming the song they were just singing.

Seeing Bam out of reach, Khun turns to look at the others. His freezing cold eyes terrify everyone even before he says anything. His commanding voice comes out like a chilling whisper. “…Whoever tells Bam about the real ending of the Little Mermaid fairy tale, will have to live without his balls.” They can only look at him with horrified expressions. “Understood?” Everyone nods fast, even Rak who probably doesn’t even know about the tale of Little Mermaid. “Good.”

With that, and not before hearing Leeso whispering he is a demon, Khun follows Bam through the corridor. When he reaches his own room, he finds Bam waiting for him at the door. His cheeks are a little flushed his arms on his back. The image is even more tempting when he hears the next words: “Can I sleep with you tonight, Mr. Khun? Please.” Of course Bam doesn’t know how he is being so seductive, so he won’t take advantage of it, but Khun accepts anyway, making that cute face beam with happiness.

Khun takes Bam’s hand in his and enters the room with him. Now that Bam had defrosted his heart, he will never let go of this hand.