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Korn ran forward, catching Den in his arms and lowering him to the ground. He looked up, trying to see who the gunman was but only catching a glimpse of a bike speeding away. Pressing down on the wound to stop the bleeding, he looked down at the pained face of his lover.
“ It’s okay, It’s going to be okay “ Korn spoke, not sure whether to Den or to himself.
Den groaned in pain, blood continuing to pour out of the wound, as he placed a hand atop Korn’s.
“ Please…Please…” Korn muttered to himself as he continued trying to stem the bleeding.
“ Korn..” Den said, his voice cracking in pain.
Korn was desperate, his hands shaking.
“ Korn, look at me… “ Den spoke again, this time grabbing his lovers attention.
Den patted his hand gently, forcing a reassuring smile.
“ I love you “
Korn shook his head, tears spilling out. Desperation plastered across his face.
“ Don’t…don’t say that like you’re saying goodbye “
Den’s white jacket now dyed a crimson red as his body became weaker, exhausted. Korn leant forward, pressing a kiss on the other man’s forehead.
“ Don’t cry, it doesn’t suit your handsome face “ Den tried to laugh but was unable, instead letting out a wheeze.
“ I need you here Den, you don’t get to leave me, not like this. I love you so much “ Korn spoke through sobs as he continued to cradle the other man in his arms.
He managed to shakily take out his phone from his pocket, dialling 191 for an ambulance.
“ Hang in there Den, just a little longer. Help’s coming “ Korn tried to reassure the other man, and himself.
“ I love you so much “ Den’s voice quieter and more breathy as a tear escaped his eye before slipping in and out of consciousness.
What felt like eternity but in reality was only minutes passed before the familiar sound of sirens filled the parking lot, then flashing lights followed as an ambulance pulled up.
Korn was pulled away, Den falling out of his grasp as the paramedics took over. He stood helplessly, hands and shirt painted with blood from where he had held his lover in his arms, as he watched them working on Den. He wasn’t even aware of the paramedic who was trying to check if he was okay. All background noise had turned into an unintelligible blur. It was as though he was in a trance as he watched them begin to conduct CPR on Den, the rhythm of chest compressions hypnotising.
Continuing to watch in horror, he stumbled back slightly, putting a hand over his mouth. He couldn’t believe this was happening, it felt like some sick and twisted nightmare.
Den was promptly put onto a stretcher and then wheeled off up into the ambulance. A paramedic told Korn where he was being taken to, which he barely even managed to listen to, before the ambulance made a hasty exit. There wasn’t enough room for Korn to travel with them, so he had drive himself.
——
Korn sat in the waiting room outside of the emergency surgery department. It had been around 15 minutes since he’d arrived before Great and Tyme appeared. He looked up at them and they looked back at him in concern. Being so caught up in the chaos, his focus only on Den, he had forgotten what he looked like, his hands, shirt, and face stained red.
Great walked up to his brother, cautiously taking a seat next to him.
“ He’s still in surgery “ Korn spoke, despondent.
His brother placed a hand on his back, rubbing it gently.
“ What bastard did this? “ Tyme asked with a mix of concern and frustration.
“ I only saw a black bike speeding off, it all happened so quickly “ Korn sighed.
“ Fuck “ Tyme cursed in vexation.
The three stayed in the waiting room for what felt like forever. Sitting, pacing. Time painfully slow.
The sound of doors opening broke through the silence as a doctor entered the waiting room. Korn immediately jumped up, almost running to the doctor with the other two men in tow.
“ How is he? “ Korn asked eagerly, desperate for an update.
“ The surgery went well and he’s stable but he’s not quite out of the woods yet, he’s still in a critical state and has been placed on a ventilator in the ICU “ the doctor explained with a serious expression.
“ Can we see him? “ Great added, knowing how desperate his brother was.
“ I’m afraid you won’t be able to see him today, but you can come back tomorrow and we will call you if there’s any major update during the night “ the doctor spoke sympathetically.
“ Thank you doctor “ Tyme added with a nod to his colleague before the doctor disappeared back through the doors.
Korn let out a large sigh, disappointed and anxious about not being able to see his lover, but also relieved that he was successfully out of surgery. It was a conflicting mix of emotions. A hand squeezing his shoulder broke him out of his thoughts back into reality.
“ Let’s go back to mine and get you cleaned up. You’re a mess. “ Great said, forcing a reassuring smile.
Korn simply nodded.
——
It was the next day and Korn, Great and Tyme showed up to the hospital early, eager to see Den. They were finally granted access to Den’s hospital room.
Great was happy to let Korn see him first, and Tyme reluctantly agreed, eager to see Den himself. They stood in the hallway outside of the room, Korn stopping in front of the door.
“ You gonna be okay bro? “ Great asked, noticing Korn’s anxiousness.
“ Yeah..” Korn nodded, taking a deep breath before opening the door.
As he walked into the room he was met with the sight of Den covered in tubes and wires hooked up to beeping machines. He’d seen it before with Great, but it didn’t make it any less scary. Seeing someone you love so vulnerable and lifeless was hard, and would never not be hard.
He took a deep breath before walking forward, his steps slow and unsure. Once he reached the side of the bed, his lip wobbled as he tried to keep his emotions at bay.
“ Hey Den “ Korn spoke in a soft tone.
He gently reached out, taking Den’s hand in his. What he would give to have felt a squeeze back, he thought to himself.
“ I’m so sorry Den, it’s my fault “ his voice trembled.
His thumb traced invisible circles on the other man’s hand as a tear began to trickle down his face. Guilt encompassed his mind whilst looking at the man he loved in such a state, knowing that it was all because of meeting him that this had happened. He knew it had to be one of his father’s men that had pulled the trigger. Whether Fasai had ratted him out or his father found out his plan or simply was mad at him for wanting to quit, he wasn’t sure, but he knew it had to be him responsible.
“ You’re so strong baby, so please wake up soon, okay? “ he paused, biting his wobbling lip before continuing “ I love you“ he finished.
He bent down, placing a light kiss atop Den’s hand before leaving the room.
Korn waited in the hallway as Tyme and Great had their turn to see Den. The sterile hospital smell and bright LED lights of little comfort to him. The building had harboured so many emotions for Korn, a contrast of love and pain, of comfort and discomfort. It was now the second time he’d had to see someone he cared for on deaths door, hooked up to machines and lifeless. He prayed that this would be the last time.
A short while later Tyme and Great emerged from the room.
“ Can we go to your office? I have something I need to you talk about “ Korn asked, looking to Tyme.
The two men shared a confused glance before looking back at Korn.
“ Okay? “ Tyme answered, his eyes squinting slightly in suspicion.
They walked through the corridors until they reached the office, entering and closing the door behind them.
Korn reached into the inside pocket of his blazer, pulling out a small USB. He held it out to Tyme.
“ I want you to end this. Take it to the media, take it to the police, do everything. But I want you to do it. “ he spoke, knowing he didn’t need to fully explain what was on it, they knew.
Tyme looked at Korn, an indiscernible expression on his face, before looking at Great. Great looked a little unsure, but took a glance at Korn, seeing his serious expression. He simply turned back to Tyme and nodded. Tyme turned back to Korn, taking the USB from his hand.
“ You think father and Warit did this? “ Great asked his brother.
“ It had to be them, they’re the only ones with a motive “ Korn replied, no doubt in his mind.
He paused, sighing slightly before looking back at Tyme.
“ Take all those bastards down “
——
A couple of days past and Den was moved into another hospital room, no longer on the ventilator but still hooked up to machines and still hadn’t awoken.
Korn lay asleep on the couch situated next to the hospital bed. He wanted to be there for when Den woke up, so he’d pretty much moved into the room with him. He was also scared to be apart. Even though the hospital was possibly the safest place for Den, he still had the horrible fear of something happening, of truly losing Den. Whether it was irrational or rational, he couldn’t help it. He was traumatised.
Being so exhausted from all the emotions, he was in a deep sleep and didn’t hear the door click open.
Great and Tyme entered the hospital room, spotting Korn. It was endearing seeing the man curled up on the small couch using a blazer as a blanket, sound asleep like a baby. Both a sweet and sorry sight. He looked so vulnerable, so small and exhausted, but it showed how powerful his love for Den was. It warmed Great’s heart to see Korn finally love something so much which wasn’t his father, to finally be so dedicated to something good for him.
As much as he didn’t want to, Great walked over gently placing a hand on his brother’s shoulder, shaking slightly. Korn jolted awake, swatting his arm out in a panic and almost hitting Great.
“ Woah woah it’s just me! It’s okay bro! “ Great reassured, taking a step back.
“ shit “ Korn muttered, taking a deep breath before continuing “ sorry “.
“ It’s okay, I get it. Don’t worry about it“ Great flashed an understanding smile.
Korn sat up, straightening out his shirt and running a hand through his hair to neaten it as best he could. He wasn’t particularly fond of looking so disheveled in front of others, feeling a little embarrassed.
Great stepped back a little, allowing space for Tyme to approach. He did so whilst handing him the remote to the room’s TV.
“ Watch the news. There’s something you’re gonna want to see “ Tyme said, encouraging Korn to turn on the TV.
Korn looked up at the man, brows furrowed slightly in uncertainty. Tyme simply shook the remote, insisting he take it, so Korn obliged. He stood up, the other two men taking a step back to the side so that he could see the TV. As he switched it on, it was already on the news channel, which he now realised why Tyme was so eager for him to see.
It was his father, and Warit. Footage was playing of their arrests, the headlines talking about the exposing of the illegal gambling of Sriwat Cargo. He’d actually done it, his evidence and work had paid off, and Tyme had managed to spread it to the media and police. Korn was speechless. It felt as though this huge weight and burden had been lifted from his shoulders, he felt so light as if the slightest breeze would make him fly away.
“ We took them down….You took them down“ Tyme spoke.
Korn simply put a hand over his mouth in disbelief, his eyes watering slightly. There were so many emotions to process. A moment or two later he took a deep breath, gathering himself the best he could. He turned to Tyme.
“ I’m sorry about everything I was a part of“ he spoke apologetically.
Tyme bit his lip slightly before nodding and placing a firm pat of the hand on Korn’s shoulder.
“ I know “ Tyme replied, a small hint of a smile briefly appearing.
Korn then walked over to the side of the hospital bed, gently taking Den’s hand.
“ Did you hear that Den? It’s over, it’s finally over “ he spoke softly, a mixture of relief and sadness in his voice.
Suddenly Korn felt something, a slight twitch from Den’s hand. An attempt to hold his hand back? A sign that he had heard him?
“ His hand just moved! Guys! “ Korn spoke in shock, looking back at the other two men.
“ huh? “ Great replied in surprise.
Tyme moved forward, his doctor mode immediately activated like a light switch being flicked. He checked the machines briefly, the odd spike but no real major change in activity yet. He wasn’t awake, but it was a good sign.
“ That’s good right? Is he awake? “ Korn asked eagerly, looking at Tyme.
Tyme sighed slightly before replying.
“ Not yet. But it’s a good sign, it means he’s at a consciousness level where he can hear you and try to respond. He should wake up soon hopefully “ the doctor responded, looking back at Korn as he did so.
“ Soon? “ Korn asked, his tone dropping slightly.
“ I can’t say for certain, and I don’t want to make promises, but potentially within the next few days “ Tyme nodded.
Korn returned his attention to his lover, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.
“ Keep fighting babe, you can do this. You’re so close! “ he spoke hoping that Den could hear his encouragement, maybe even take strength from it.
“ I’m going to stay here again tonight, I want to be here when he wakes up “ he added.
“ Are you sure bro? You must be exhausted “ Great asked with concern.
“ I’ll be okay, I don’t want to leave him. “ Korn reassured his brother.
“ Do you need anything? “ Great replied.
“ No, no, it’s okay bro. Thanks” .
“ Well, I’ll be on shift tomorrow so if you need anything you can just come find me “ Tyme piped in.
Great flashed his boyfriend a warm smile, clearly appreciating the support and acceptance he now seemed to show towards his older brother.
“ Thanks “ Korn said with a nod.
——
Two days later, Korn was sat on the couch with a copy of ‘Into the wild’ in his hands, reading it aloud to Den. He had been told it could be beneficial to read to him, since he had shown that he could hear his surroundings.
“ I read somewhere... how important it is in life not necessarily to be strong, but to feel strong... to measure yourself at least once “ Korn read, the words striking a chord within him.
Turns out it wasn’t only him it had struck a chord with. A breathy noise grabbed Korn’s attention. He looked up from the book and over to Den’s bed and was met with Den’s eyes open.
“ I like that quote “ Den said, his voice quiet from his dry throat.
Korn immediately put down the book basically flying off the couch over to Den’s side.
“ Den, you’re awake! “ he exclaimed excitedly, grabbing his hand.
Den forced a weak smile.
“ I’ll go get Tyme, just wait a second okay! “ Korn said squeezing the other man’s hand before leaving the room.
He ran through the corridors at what felt like the speed of sound to Tyme’s office, explaining that Den was awake and to come quickly. Both men speedily made their way back to Den’s room. As they entered they were greeted by Den’s weak yet warm smile.
“ Hey buddy “ Tyme said.
“ Buddy? How long was I out for you to have a personality change? “ Den joked.
Tyme simply shook his head, a small laugh escaping his lips. Typical Den to be joking the second he’s out of his coma.
“ How are you feeling? “ Tyme asked, going back into doctor mode.
“ My throat’s as dry as a desert, can I get some water? “ Den croaked in response.
“ Of course “ Tyme replied, looking over to Korn who grabbed the jug of water he’d been using from the bedside table, pouring some in a glass with a straw.
Tyme helped prop Den up, putting some pillows behind him, whilst Korn helped him sip from the straw. Once Den was satisfied, Korn put down the cup before helping put on his lovers glasses.
“ I’m so sorry about all of this Den “ Korn said, his eyes slightly watery.
“ Shhh, please stop blaming yourself Korn. I’m okay “ Den tried to reassure him, seeing the pain in the other man’s eyes.
Korn leant forward, planting a kiss on Den’s cheek.
The sound of Tyme clearing his throat brought the two out of their intimate moment.
“ Would you mind calling Great to let him know? I can’t cause I’m still on the clock“ Tyme asked, looking expectantly at Korn.
“ Sure, yeah “
Later on Great arrived at the hospital, full of smiles and excitement to see Den awake and okay. The rest of the afternoon was then spent with Korn and Great explaining to Den everything that he’d missed, about the downfall of the business, the arrests, everything.
“ I’m so proud of you “ Den told him with a smile filled with love.
“ Proud of me? I’m proud of you for being so strong, and I’m so glad you’re still with us. I don’t know what I would’ve done if..” Korn’s voice trailed off, not even wanting to consider the other outcome.
“ Hmm, let’s be proud of each other then? “ Den chuckled slightly.
“ Works for me “ Korn chuckled back.
——
A couple of weeks past before Den was allowed to be discharged.
As Korn helped collect prescriptions and bandages in the hospital which his lover would need for recovery, he felt like a giddy child waiting to open their presents on Christmas morning. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt like this. Once they’d gathered their things, Korn pulled his car up to the entrance, picking Den up.
“ It feels so good to be out of there wow “ Den smiled to himself, opening the window and enjoying the fresh air and city sounds.
“ It feels good to have you back with me and to not be doing this drive alone anymore “ Korn smiled as he continued driving.
It was a short journey and there luckily was little traffic to battle through. Korn parked up in the parking lot, before getting out and holding the passenger door open for Den.
Den froze, a look of fear flashing over his face briefly. Korn noticed, rushing to grab his lovers hands.
“ What’s wrong? Are you okay? “ he asked, concerned about the other man’s state.
“ It’s-it’s just-“ Den stuttered slightly, eyes glued to a certain spot in the lot.
Korn realised where Den was looking and then realised why Den had frozen. It was his first time back in the spot where he’d been shot and almost lost his life. He was probably reliving the awful memory. It made Korn feel a deep sadness inside, hating that the person he loved most in the world was feeling so much turmoil and pain.
Den felt his hands being tightly squeezed which began to bring him back to reality and snap out of it. He looked up at Korn whose eyes were filled with worry.
“ It’s okay Den. Take a deep breath. I’m here. Nothing’s going to happen. “ Korn tried to reassure him, and it seemed to work.
“ Yeah…sorry. Thank you “ Den nodded.
“ Let me just get your stuff and we’ll head inside “ Korn said before grabbing all Den’s things from the back.
They knew it wasn’t just going to be a physical recovery, and perhaps the mental recovery may take even longer.
He took Den’s hand in his as they walked into the building and entered the apartment. After walking through the door, Den stopped, closing his eyes and inhaling deeply. A strong enjoyable smell filled his senses.
“ What’s that smell? “ he asked as he opened his eyes.
“ I made you that Pad Thai I was talking about. I figured you could use a good meal “
“ It smells AMAZING. I need that immediately “
Korn laughed, smiling smugly. If there was one thing that could always make Den feel better it was food.
——
It was about a month and a half before Den started returning to work, taking small shifts here and there to ease back into it.
One afternoon Korn was walking him back into the hospital after a lunch break when they spotted two men in the waiting room. One familiar to Korn and one familiar to Den. As they approached the men, Den wai’d politely.
“ Good afternoon Inspector Win! “ Den smiled brightly whilst greeting the officer who greeted him back.
Korn however, stood uneasily. His face filled with discomfort and also what seemed like embarrassment as he looked to the smaller man stood next to Win.
“ Is there something I can help with? “ Den asked, inquisitive as to why the inspector was there.
“I’m just here to collect some notes on a boy who was admitted here a while ago, he was in an assault so I need them for a case” Win explained.
“ Oh, um, I’m sure I could get them for you if you’d like to follow me! “ Den said helpfully.
Before moving however, Den turned to Korn and lent in closely.
“ This is your chance to clear things up and apologise “ he told Korn with a nudge as he quickly glanced at the smaller man then back before walking away.
Korn was taken aback slightly, how did Den know what Tonkla looked like? Then again, he thought to himself, that Den was very perceptive and always had a way of finding things out before you even knew he did.
Den walked off with Win, leaving Korn alone with Tonkla in the waiting room.
“ So…are you dating that officer now? “ Korn asked awkwardly whilst scratching at the back of his neck.
“ and you need to know because? “ Tonkla replied defensively.
Korn sighed slightly, pinching the bridge of his nose. This wasn’t easy.
“ I don’t….I just-I hope he treats you better than I did. I don’t expect you to forgive me, but I want you to know I’m sorry about everything I did “ Korn spoke with a defeated tone, ashamed by his past self.
Tonkla crossed his arms, looking at Korn before sighing.
“ He does treat me better, and I appreciate the apology. But like you said, don’t expect me to forgive you. “ he replied
Korn nodded, he was okay with that response.
An awkward amount of time later, both Win and Den reappeared. Win and Tonkla left the waiting room, leaving Korn and Den alone for a brief moment.
“ Feel better? “ Den asked with a knowing smile.
“ How did you know that was him? “ Korn’s brows furrowed.
“ It was written all over your face, and well…I know how to find things out “ Den replied with a mischievous smirk.
“ You’re crazy “ Korn laughed shaking his head before forming a warm smile.
“ I gotta get back to work handsome “ Den said before giving the other man a quick kiss on the cheek.
Korn felt his cheeks flush, shy at hearing the nickname in public, before giving the man a kiss on the cheek too.
——
The two men were sitting on Den’s couch. The sound of the TV on low filled the room as they relaxed in the comfort of each others arms.
“ Tomorrow I’m going to go have a coffee with a friend of mine and his partner, I was wondering if you’d come with me? “ Den asked.
“ Sure. Who’s the friend? “ Korn agreed happily.
“ He’s a friend from back in medical training days, we had a couple courses together. He’s an ER doctor, but he went on to work in his friend’s private hospital rather than the one I work in so I don’t see him that often “
“ Oh nice…and his partner? “ Korn enquired.
“ Actually, his partner is kind of who I want you to meet. He works very high up in a pharmaceutical related company. Tan told me he’s actually got an important vacant role in their finance department that needs filling but he hasn’t found anyone he trusts enough yet to fill it, and well…..I think you’re more than capable. You’re great with numbers and professional business stuff. I know it’s not probably what you wanted but…it’s a high up role with a chance to even work your way up higher, and it pays well, it’s a really good opportunity..”
Den paused, sitting up more so he could study Korn’s expression better.
“ I put in a very good word for you, and Tan said Wisanu is very eager to meet you. I don’t want to pressure you though, and it’s okay if you don’t want to, I just felt like it’d be really good for you. Even if you just meet him and hear him out? “ Den looked, a hopeful glint in his eyes.
Korn took a moment, taking in the information. It wasn’t where he ever considered himself to be, he’d been raised expecting to inherit a huge business, to be the owner and leader of a company. But that was the past and he had to accept that wasn’t going to be in his future anymore. He knew he needed a job and this was most likely the best thing he could get just now, so he figured why not meet the guy.
“ That sounds good, I’ll see what he’s got to say. Thanks babe “ Korn nodded, leaning forward and giving Den’s lips a peck.
Den gave Korn a peck back, moving some hair that had fallen into Korn’s face and smiling.
“ I also would get to keep seeing you in your sexy suits “ he teased with a smirk.
——
It was evening and Korn and Den lay in bed talking. Earlier that day they’d had the coffee date with Tan and Wisanu, Korn being introduced to them both and more importantly getting to speak with Wisanu about the business as Den and Tan sat and gossiped.
Den propped his elbow up and rested his head on his hand as he looked at the man next to him.
“ Today was really nice, thanks for coming with me. Seeing my boyfriend with my friends is special to me “ Den smiled appreciatively.
“ Thanks for inviting me. It was nice to meet your friends “ Korn replied, smiling back as he gently ran his fingers up and down Den’s arm in a soothing motion.
Den placed a kiss on Korn’s forehead. He felt so completely content and whole as he lay there in bed with the love of his life. It felt as though he’d been on a train without even realising it and finally reached his destination. They were both finally where they were always meant to be.
“ I think I’m going to take up Wisanu’s offer “
“ Really? “ Den asked with excitement.
“ Mm, it sounds good “
Den flung himself at Korn, hugging him tightly. Everything finally felt like it was fitting into place, like finally everything was going to be fine. He wiggled in elation, giddy with the thought of Korn finally having a stable place in life.
Korn laughed before placing his hands on the other man’s shoulders, pushing him off of him lightly.
“ I need to breathe you know “ he joked.
Den lightly swatted at his chest, his smile reaching his eyes which formed crescent moons.
“ Why are you so excited? It’s my job not yours “ Korn laughed, amused by his boyfriend’s antics.
“ It’s just…I’m so proud of you “ Den replied sincerely.
“ I couldn’t have done it without you “
“ You need to give yourself more credit Korn”
Den tenderly ran his fingers down Korn’s smooth cheek, lingering on his jaw.
“ For once in my life I’m finally excited for the future “ Korn said, his eyes filled with nothing but love for the other man.
Den placed his hands on either sides of Korn’s shoulders, moving to tower above him. Leaning down with closed eyes, he placed a kiss on Korn’s lips. One kiss then became two and then three. The third being a slower and longer kiss filled with deep affection for each other.
Korn placed a hand on the back of Den’s head, tugging at his hair slightly eliciting a small gasp from the other. Den deepened the kiss in response, heat arising as it became more passionate and intense. They broke away only when they needed to breathe.
Korn looked down at the man below him, taking in how truly beautiful he was from this angle. He felt like the luckiest man alive. Den looked up at him, placing a hand on Korn’s chest, feeling his heartbeat. He smiled.
“ I love to feel the rhythm of your heart “ the doctor spoke softly.
Korn gently moved to place one of his hands on Den’s chest too, appreciating the beating of his boyfriend’s heart.
“ Me too. It reminds me you’re still here, and this moment is real “
“ I love you so much Korn “ Den looked up at the handsome man hovering above him in adoration.
“ I love you so much too Den, more than you could ever imagine “
[ EPILOGUE ]
Months later…
The afternoon sun shone brightly over the beautiful rolling mountains of Chiang Mai as Korn, Den, Great and Tyme sat at a table outside a house they had rented out for the week. Multiple different dishes of tasty food were scattered over the table as the men had lunch together.
“ Bro, when do you start your new job? “ Great asked.
“ Officially a couple of weeks but next week I’m meeting with Mr Wisanu to go over the basics “ Korn replied to his brother.
“ He’s the boyfriend of Tan, right? “ Tyme asked, looking over to Den.
“ Mm, yeah, he’s a decent guy. Tan always had good taste. “ Den said through mouthfuls of curry.
“ Decent hmm? “ Korn looked at Den with jealousy.
“ Stop sulking and being jealous, I said decent not that I’m in love with him. My love is only reserved for you “ Den said with a wink.
“ Gross “ Tyme said under his breath whilst shaking his head.
“ Says you Mister head over heels in love looks at Great like he’s a god “ Den retorted.
Great clung onto Tyme’s arm, leaning on him.
“ Aow, doc! That’s because I am the centre of his world “ he said with a smile, looking at Tyme who simply laughed and smiled back.
They continued to eat, enjoying the serenity of their surroundings and each others presence.
“ Y’know Korn, Den once pinned me up against a wall “ Tyme said, pointing his spoon at the man.
“ Huh?! “ Korn almost shouted.
“ Stop trying to wind my boyfriend up Tyme “ Den said, feigning annoyance.
“ So you did? You’ve never done that with me…“ Korn replied, back to sulking in jealousy.
“ It was because I was trying to talk about my research project and he never listens! I had to make sure he was paying attention to me. If you think I did it in any sort of flirting way…blegh! Gross “ Den tried to explain himself.
“ Still never did it to me…” Korn muttered, looking like a sad puppy.
Den leaned in closely to him with a smirk, wrapping his arm around his shoulder.
“ Well once we’re inside I’ll need to change that then “ he said in a sensually teasing tone.
Korn turned to face him, smirking back.
“ That better be a promise “
Tyme and Great looked at each other before making an overdramatised gagging noise.
“ Hello, we’re still here you know! “ Great stated.
The men finished up their food, sitting back and letting their stomachs settle.
“ We’ve all really come a long way huh? “ Great broke through the silence.
“ I mean, I could never have foreseen both of us getting shot and both surviving and being able to sit here today with each other. It’s kind of crazy. “ Den replied, thinking over all that they had been through.
“ You’re both strong as hell, and I’m glad for it. “ Tyme added with a smile.
“ I agree “ Korn joined, looking between his boyfriend and brother.
“ You should be proud of yourself too, bro. You put all those bastards behind bars. Sure it was a little later than it should’ve been, but you still did it. “ Great declared, proud of his brother.
Tyme nodded, a silent sign of agreement which was incredibly impactful to Korn. He wouldn’t admit it to himself, but he cared about gaining Tyme’s respect and approval. He understood the man a lot better now, he had come to know his personality and mindset more and understood his colder quieter exterior. So any sign or words of encouragement from him held a lot of significance.
“ I’m just glad to be sat here with the people I care about, I think I finally understand what genuine happiness feels like “ Korn said, he’d slowly become more open and vulnerable, willing to speak his mind with them all.
The others nodded in agreement and understanding. Den also planting a kiss on his cheek and rubbing his back comfortingly, this time the other men refrained from feigning disgust, allowing them to have their moment.
They spent the rest of the afternoon chatting and continuing to tease each other, surrounded by an atmosphere of bliss.
They had made it.