Hello, everyone!

Happy birthday to Ten! I'm sorry for the long wait, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity of posting Chapter Ten on Ten's birthday.

ALSO PLEASE READ: If ANYONE has ever read From Blood and Ash, PLEASE say something and lemme rant to you lmao thank you.

Anyways, I hope the wait was worth it, Enjoy!

****

Something about physical contact always comforted Ten.

The idea of holding someone, either for comfort, flirtation, safety, or maybe even no reason at all, holds a special place in Ten's heart. It speaks a kind of language that can't just be spoken with words. Sometimes, a hug is the only key to helping someone who is sad. Sometimes, a soothing touch is the only key to calming someone driven by rage.

Jungwoo is always there to be the victim of Ten's hugging attacks, pillow fights, and cuddles. That kind of physical touch stems from the love of two brothers.

Lucas is always there to hold Jungwoo, and the latter is there to do the same. That kind of touch comes from the unbridled affections of something unimaginable; two people who were once strangers, with no relation, and no knowledge of each other, running into the fatal hands of fate. No matter how cheesy it sounds, Ten will always be enamoured by its doings.

But the feelings that he has for Taeyong is the same thing by definition, but are also entirely different.

Maybe he is being partial, maybe he is too far gone to realize that it's not really that special. But for him and Taeyong, they had a relation to each other. Ten was to be Taeyong's therapist, and nothing more. But just like what was said earlier, Ten ran into the hands of fate, and got thrown into the arms of the patient.

Taeyong, who went through so much in his life.

Taeyong, who grabbed onto his heart and held it with his own.

It is different, Ten concludes. There is something so different about being pulled out of the darkness while finding love. There is something so different about surviving all the traumas of one's life, to meet love at the end, like it's an achievement.

But they are not close to the end at all, and Ten relishes in it.

The physical contact between them now is a warmth that is unforgettable. It's a warmth that makes Ten wish he were somewhere else when he is alone in his bed at night. It makes him want to get up and run into the hospital, unable to find an excuse to tell the nurses other than the fact that he wants to be held by the other.

A small ray of sunlight that shone directly onto Ten's closed eyelids was enough to wake him up. He opened his eyes to find Taeyong's peaceful and calming sleeping face. And that vision is enough to get Ten to start thinking about everything that was said earlier.

I do love you, he confessed. Well, he didn't really confess, but to accept the thought alone in his head, right in front of Taeyong, makes the acceptance all the more real. The acceptance that this is real, not just a figment of his imagination.

The moment Taeyong broke down the day before, the moment he told his reasons for pushing him away, something in Ten broke.

Like a dam that failed at doing its job miserably, all the deadly waters of realization came flooding into Ten's heart, nearly shattering it. He realized that it would be silly to not admit that he loved him. No matter how long they have known each other, the feelings that Ten has for him are undeniable. Jungwoo was right, there is no timeline that says when one should love the other, and it would be foolish to wait that long.

Ten smiled, reaching a hand up and cupping Taeyong's cheek. The situation reminded him of last time, when both were unaware of their growing feelings.

They were impossibly close this time, with the size of the small bed pushing Ten practically on top of the other. He had a leg swung around his back that was constantly pulling the two closer together like a constricting boa, until their faces were a mere inch apart.

His thumb began making soothing circles on the taller's cheek. They had spent the whole night before talking and cuddling. The actions seemed to not only heal each other's cracked hearts, but it looked like it healed them physically as well. Ten felt healthier, and maybe it was because of the sleep he just had, but even before, as they were huddled close, teasing each other about who knows what, Ten could feel the tension from his muscles relaxing, and the darkness under his eyes seeping away.

He leaned forward, which didn't take a lot of effort because of their already close proximity, and pressed a light kiss to the bridge of Taeyong's nose. His heart squeezed while watching the other scrunch his face at the ticklish sensation. It was enough to wake him up, because his eyes slowly fluttered open. Ten wanted to squeal at the sight of Taeyong fighting to keep them open when he saw him in front of him, causing the softest smile to appear.

"Hi." Ten said with a laugh, still reeling from the earlier sight.

Taeyong's smile widened, and Ten let out a yelp when he was pulled completely on top of the patient. Their noses brushed slightly while Ten was steadying himself.

"Hi." Taeyong finally responded.

Ten rested his head on his hands that lay upon Taeyong's chest. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to his heart, before looking back at the other playfully, laughing a little when he heard the other's breath audibly hitch.

"Good morning." Ten greeted again. There wasn't a lot he wanted to say or do, other than relish in the other's embrace.

Taeyong hummed at the same moment of Ten leaning forward and connecting their lips in a soft kiss. Their lips moved in sync, which caused Ten to let out a small exhale of content when their lips met again.

Taeyong pulled away, playfully scrunching his nose like he had done earlier. "Morning breath." He said in mock disgust.

Ten laughed, slapping the other's chest lightly. "Shut up."

"I'm serious. Let's go clean ourselves up. I hate feeling so gross."

The younger shook his head, burying his face in the crook of the other's neck. "I'm comfy."

Warm hands were placed on Ten's hips, softly rocking him side to side. Instead of getting up, Ten only wanted to fall asleep again because of the soothing touch.

Taeyong pressed a kiss to the other's temple, mumbling a small 'c'mon' against his skin.

Ten shook his head again. He held his head up, looking down into the other's eyes. "You know, I find it weird how you're some scary guy to other people, but they don't see behind closed doors that you're telling me to get up to 'clean ourselves up.'" he said, unamused.

"They are scared of me because they know that I can fight, which is something I won't hesitate to do if you don't get up." He retorted.

Ten gasped. "You wouldn't."

He briefly saw a small fire spark in the other's eyes, before he was flipped over and pinned down. Taeyong lowered his face just an inch away from the other's. "I would."

Ten hummed, moving his face forward a bit as well. Their lips brushed against each other. "You forgot something."

Taeyong was half-listening. He was too enticed by the soft lips teasing his. "Forgot what?"

Ten smiled deviously. "My legs."

The patient moved his head away, looking down in confusion. His eyes briefly showed realization, and he moved to stop what was coming, but he was too late.

Ten's foot reached around Taeyong's back, kicking his balls.

He slipped out from under before Taeyong could crush his weight on top of him as he fell down, groaning in pain. The sight of the other almost made Ten feel bad for him.

Taeyong was hunched over, kneeling on his bed with his forehead pressed against the sheets. His hands were clutching the... point of contact.

He looked over towards Ten, the side of his face now pressed into the bed. The sight made Ten's heart race, and he came forward, placing a soothing hand on the other's back.

"Did I kick you too hard?" he asked, but no matter how worried he was for the other, he couldn't stop the smile on his face.

Taeyong grunted. "You're lucky I-" he cut his words short.

There was a blaring silence, and if you were to hook Ten up to a heart monitor, you'd think he was actually having a heart attack.

He knew what Taeyong was going to say, and it caught him off guard that it was in the moment where he had just kicked his treasured spot. The words have to fall completely from his mouth for me to count it, Ten concluded in his head.

"I'm lucky you...?" Ten waited with a baited breath.

A bead of sweat crept down Taeyong's forehead, and Ten wasn't sure if it was because of the pain he was still feeling or the nervousness in his words.

"I'm in pain. You're lucky I'm in pain." Taeyong said, clearing his throat and slowly sitting up. He winced while doing so.

Ten's heart fell. He couldn't blame him for not saying the words, because he hasn't said them either, but it still hurts a little bit to be so close, and not get what you wanted.

It was his turn to clear his throat. "You win. I'll go to my apartment and freshen up while you do the same."

Taeyong looked up from the floor, clearing his throat again and nodding. "If I can walk." he supplied a joke.

Ten laughed. "You could do worse to me," he said, turning around getting ready to leave.

He stopped in his tracks, realizing how bad his words had sounded. He slowly turned around, and was met with Taeyong's amused face.

"I didn't mean it like that."

"Mhmm." the patient hummed skeptically, smirking. Ten wanted to kick him right up in between his legs again.

"I'm leaving!" he yelled instead, rushing out of the room. He faintly heard Taeyong's deep chuckles, which was doing anything but helping his fluster.

He closed the door, smiling down at the floor, only to look up and see Doyoung's surprised face.

Shit.

Ten put on the best nonchalant smile he could. "H-hi, Doyoung!" he said, cursing himself for the very obvious shake in his voice.

How would he explain the fact that he was here all night?

Doyoung raised an eyebrow. "Hello, Ten. What are you doing here so early? Your shift doesn't start until another... four hours." He said looking at his watch to check his point. He looked back at Ten, and at his clothes. "And are you still in the same clothes? Were you here all night?"

Panic seeped into Ten's bones. "I-I was."

"Why?" Doyoung said with a scrutinizing look. It was at these moments that Ten wished he were a hitman. It would be so easy to take him out now and run out.

"I-I... I was talking all night with Taeyong, about his symptoms and what happened."

That wasn't really a lie, he did do that... while also kissing and cuddling him but that's besides the point.

Doyoung smiled, and Ten thought he was doomed. Doyoung doesn't smile, so it's safe to assume it's never a good thing if he does.

"So you two are good again?" he asked.

Ten looked up in surprise for two reasons. One, that he wasn't being caught, and two, that Doyoung knew they weren't on the best terms. He had made it his mission to keep their conflict a secret, mostly because it seemed suspicious to be so hurt over being ignored by your patient, and also because he was trying to avoid anything that could even hint that there was anything else between them.

"Yeah. But how did you know that we were bad in the first place?" Ten asked.

"Whenever I came to check on him and give him food, he wouldn't even move or speak. It was like having the old Taeyong around for an entire week. The only possibility was that you two weren't doing well."

The old Taeyong. That is something that Ten will never let happen again, and he will especially make sure that the words 'weren't doing well' will never reach his ears.

Ten didn't respond, and Doyoung nodded towards Taeyong's room door as a sign that he was going to go in.

Ten moved aside mindlessly. He was too busy thinking about Taeyong, and how great it felt to be held by him again. To love him.

To love him.

Wait.

Shit.

Ten was straddling Taeyong, which was something he had been doing for the past fifteen minutes. He didn't plan on moving, and he definitely didn't plan on stopping his lips either.

Taeyong's hands on his hips tightened as the younger's lips started exploring across his jaw, nibbling the skin there. He could feel Taeyong deflate from the sensations.

Emboldened by this, his lips continued their journey down, reaching his neck. He was lost in the moment, and sucked on the soft skin, capturing it in his teeth every now and then. Taeyong groaned, digging his hands into his hips now.

Ten smiled and pulled back, admiring the hickey he had imprinted.

Hickey.

Fuck.

If Doyoung sees that...

"Dodo!" Ten shouted. A couple of nurses that were passing by looked at him weirdly. Not only for the volume of his voice, but also the god awful nickname.

Doyoung jumped, his shoulders tensing. Ten had turned around now, and saw that his hand hovered just above the keypad.

The doctor turned slowly towards Ten, a glare in his eyes and a scarlet red color on his cheeks. If Ten weren't so panicked, he would've taken a photo of the other's face.

"I don't think you should go in there." he said. Do you think he will just believe you? Idiot. He cursed at himself.

"Why?" Doyoung asked, looking at the door with a worried expression.

"Because... because he's sleeping." Ten concluded. He tried not to sound too proud at the viable lie he had come up with.

"Well, I'll just wake him up. I need to check on him." Doyoung responded.

"You can't!"

Doyoung looked at him in surprise. "Ten, are you okay?" he asked, reaching his hand up to his forehead to check his temperature. It was only then that Ten could feel the sweat running down his back.

He swatted his hand away. "I'm fine. It's just that we were up all night talking, and I would feel bad to interrupt his sleep when I was the one who kept him awake."

"I won't wake him then. I'll just slip in, check his temperature, and get out." Doyoung said. It was clear that he was trying to calm Ten down with his voice, and the shorter took that as a reminder to keep himself in check.

Ten shook his head. "He's a super light sleeper."

"How do you know?"

"Sometimes I come in when he's sleeping, and the smallest sound wakes him up. It's normal for patients here to be light sleepers due to their pasts, is it not?" Ten said.

His lies were events that actually happened. Sometimes, Ten would actually go to Taeyong's room impulsively on the weekends, only to find the older peacefully sleeping. The only thing that would stop him from feeling awful about waking the other up, is the bright smile that would greet him every time, letting him know that he wasn't the only one desperate to see him.

So, it was easy to lie now, and for a brief second, Ten remembered that his childhood dream was to become a spy.

Doyoung sighed, bringing Ten back to their conversation from his thoughts.

"I know what you mean, but I need to check on him anyway." He said, going back to the door.

"I was just there with him, and I don't know a lot about checkups, but he was definitely not on the floor dying." Ten said. He spoke so fast, his eyes drilling holes into Doyoung's hand that hovered over the door. He sighed when he looked up at the other and saw his worried face again.

"You can always come check on him later. I just want him to be well rested. We don't want the 'old Taeyong' back again, like you said."

Doyoung looked between Ten and the door, visibly contemplating whether his idea was good or not. Finally, he let out a curt nod.

"Okay, I'll check on him in a few hours."

****

Ten burst through the door of his apartment, ignoring Jungwoo who was both scared and concerned.

"Ten! Where have-"

"I can't talk right now, Woo!" Ten yelled, already closing the door to his bathroom, leaving Jungwoo to stand in their living room, confused.

Ten ripped off his clothes, nearly falling and hitting his head on his bathtub while taking his pants off and turning on his shower. He got in right away, wasting no time and quickly lathering himself in soap and scrubbing it back off again. It had to have been the fastest shower ever.

He rushed into his room, the towel hanging loosely off his waste. He had barely dried himself, which led to water getting on everything he touched.

The clothes he chose were a blur, and he just reached for something that was black. Because who can mess up black, he thought while in a haste.

Nearly tripping at least four times, he ran back to the bathroom, brushing his teeth and putting on his shoes. When that was finished, he quickly grabbed random makeup tools off his counter.

He was out the door in record time.

Jungwoo sat at the dining table now, his cheeks puffed up with eggs as he watched the other zip around.

"Hm."

****

The nurses gave Ten the same look that Jungwoo had given him earlier as he barged into the hospital doors. He finally stopped to take a break when he noticed how quiet the place had grown.

He was never one to get embarrassed by these kinds of things, so he simply bowed and walked off towards his office.

The makeup sat heavily in his bag, and Ten had to figure out how he was going to get them through to Taeyong.

When he had brought his stress cherry and gum, he had been able to say that it was to help his bad habits (which have significantly lessened, something that Ten takes immense pride in). But how do you explain bringing makeup in? Taeyong has always had a dream to be pretty, and Ten wanted to grant him that?

Cause people would believe that.

Ten sighed, throwing his bag on the table and lying back in the chair, closing his eyes.

He slightly opened his eyes to look at the clock. Thirty minutes.

He felt like he was going into a heist.

****

Ten jumped when his alarm rang through his office. He hadn't realized that in the time that he was worrying about his near impossible mission, he fell asleep.

Raking a hand through his hair, he stopped the alarm and got up, grabbing his bag.

Opening the door felt like those old tales children read when they don't know what's behind the huge chunk of wood.

He closed the door behind him, and realized how silly he was being. No one would just look at him and tell he's hiding makeup in a big to cover up a hickey that he left on his patient.

Or boyfriend.

Ten likes the sound of that.

The thought calmed him down greatly, and he got to Taeyong's door with ease. He clicked on the keypad, and entered when the beep allowed him to.

The sight that always greeted him never fails to make his heart clench.

Taeyong was sitting on his bed, fumbling with his stress cherry, and when Ten walked in, his head shot up with the cutest smile Ten will ever see. He doesn't know what he did to deserve to be in the presence of someone so dashing.

But the thought of being with him only reminded him what his mission was.

"Hi-" Taeyong started, only to be cut off when Ten comes rushing towards him. He began fumbling with his bag, making Taeyong all the more confused.

"What are you doing?"

Ten didn't respond. Instead, he let out a small 'aha' when he pulled out the makeup he needed.

Taeyong stared at the items in confusion as Ten sat down and prepared the blender for his neck.

"Why do you-"

The feeling of the cold liquid being applied to the skin of his neck made him jump and stop speaking. He looked at Ten, who was too focused to notice his stare. Finally, Ten decided that it was a good time to speak.

"I needed to cover this up." He whispered while gently covering up the mark.

Taeyong looked at Ten's wrist, then back to his face, which was nearly burrowing into the crook of his neck due to how focused he was.

Silence filled the room as Ten continued doing his work.

The hickey couldn't be seen at all by the time he was finished, and Ten sat back with a proud smile to stare at it.

But what he didn't see was Taeyong staring at him.

He looked up and met his eyes with his, taken aback from the subtle flame of an unknown emotion burning in them.

Guilt seeped into his heart. He had always assumed that Taeyong didn't really like hiding their relationship, and his guess was that it was eating at him now.

He looked down, fidgeting with the bottle.

"I'm sorry, Taeyong." he whispered, looking up to meet his eyes. All he saw was confusion.

"I'm sorry that we have to hide," he explained.

Taeyong grabbed Ten's hands. "Why do you think I have a problem with it?"

Ten moved his hands so they were holding his better, and his thumb started absent-mindedly stroking the back of the other's hand. "Asking someone to keep their entire relationship a secret is a lot to ask, and it's only reasonable to dislike it."

Taeyong sighed, and Ten kept his eyes on their interlocked hands to avoid the sight of Taeyong's disdain.

He felt a warm hand on his chin, forcing his head up to meet the patient's eyes. There was no look of disdain, or dislike. Instead, there was a soft smile on his face.

"You really are stupid sometimes, you know that?" he said softly. "Why would I be mad about keeping us a secret when the only important person in my life is you?"

Ten could feel the shake in his hands when Taeyong took his and brought them to his mouth, lightly pressing his lips against the back of them. He continued doing this to the middle of his palm, then all of his fingers, until he saw a smile bloom on Ten's face.

"What kind of therapist am I?" Ten said, sniffling a little bit from emotion. "I should be comforting you, not the other way around."

Taeyong shook his head. "You show me that it's okay to be vulnerable, and that my goal isn't to be some picture perfect person by the end of this. 'Finding myself' is what you called it."

"You're perfect to me." Ten said, leaning forward and pressing his forehead against his shoulder. He felt Taeyong's lips automatically go to his temple, and all the tension dissipated from his body

Everything was calm and peaceful.

Until a beep sounded through the room.

Ten never moved so fast in his life. He stuffed the makeup into his bag and slid in under the bed, then proceeded to haul himself across the room into a chair.

The door clicked open, and Doyoung entered, surprised to see Ten there.

"Ten? What happened to letting him rest?" he asked, accusingly. He held a plate with a sandwich and chips.

"I could say the same for you." Ten retorted, crossing his arms. What happened for 'a few hours'?"

"It's my job to check on him."

"And it's mine to be here with him at this time. I think I win." The therapist squinted at the doctor, while the patient sat there, staring. "And I could have gotten him that lunch."

"I'm his doctor. What kind of doctor would I be if I didn't give him the sustenance he needs?" Doyoung argued. His knuckles were turning white from how hard he was clutching the plate, and Ten wanted to laugh. There is nothing more fun than teasing this guy, he thought.

"And what kind of therapist would I be if I didn't feed him to help his mental health improve?" He crossed one leg over the other, and he briefly caught Taeyong staring at him in the corner of his eye, which only encouraged him further.

"Well I do know that you're the kind of therapist that dresses completely unprofessionally. Who wears all black like that?"

"My fashion taste is impeccable, and it's definitely better than yours. I mean, what the hell are those shoes?" Ten said, smirking when he watched Doyoung gasp and stupidly try to hide his feet.
"Having a long coat on doesn't give you the permission to wear that awful shade of green. At least I have a consistent palette."

Doyoung began stalking towards Ten, who was still sitting smugly in his chair. "Well at least they will look at my coat and know that I'm a professional. People will look at you and think you're a new patient." he retorted, and it was his turn to smirk when he saw Ten finally show offense.

The doctor drew closer, and Ten had to look up as he began to tower over him. Ten opened his mouth to argue again, but his words were cut off when Taeyong suddenly appeared between them, snatching the plate from Doyoung's hands.

Doyoung flinched at the harsh action. He looked as though he had forgotten Taeyong was even in the room. He cleared his throat, smoothing the lapels of his coat to either look professional, or wipe the sweat off his hands, and Ten guessed it was the latter. He tried so hard not to laugh, and he could feel all the blood rushing to his head from holding his breath.

Taeyong gave Doyoung a quick glare, before walking back to his bed. He picked up the sandwich and took a large bite, not looking at either of them.

Ten was still trying not to laugh, and the cuteness of Taeyong eating was not helping. A snort escaped his throat, and Doyoung turned to glare at him. Ten had to try really hard to not tease him more and offer him a carrot, because he looked so much like a bunny.

The sounds of Taeyong crunching on his chips made the whole scene more comical.

Doyoung cleared his throat again, something he seemed to do when his 'class' was threatened. "Well, I guess I'll leave you two to yourselves." he said, walking towards the door.

"Bye, green feet." Ten called as the doctor opened it. He received the least intimidating glare ever and just laughed.

Doyoung stomped out, and the door closed with another beep.

Ten turned back to Taeyong, who was still enjoying his food. He smiled and stood up from the chair, walking towards him.

"You know, you're really different when someone else is in the room. I'm surprised you didn't join me in teasing him, and a little disappointed." Ten mused, putting on a fake pout with the last words as he placed his hand on Taeyong's shoulders and straddled him.

Taeyong simply continued eating, his cheeks puffy with his sandwich.

Ten waited for Taeyong to reach for another bite, and dove in and stole it.

Taeyong looked up, his face clearly showing his offense as he stared at Ten with the sandwich still in his mouth.

He furrowed his brows, trying to pull away the sandwich. The image was like a child trying to snatch their favorite toy from a dog.

Ten smiled around the bread, finally tearing off a piece and eating it.

The patient stared at Ten as he chewed.

"You really are annoying, you know that?" Taeyong asked.

Ten laughed, wiping some mayo off his lip and sucking it off his thumb. "I know." he smiled wider when he saw Taeyong watch his mouth.

The older shook his head, and simply continued eating. Ten smiled and kissed his forehead before getting off him. He spotted something pink on the floor in the corner of his eye, and he walked towards it.

It was a magazine.

Ten's brows furrowed as he bent down, picking up the pamphlet. He turned it over, brushing some dust off and looking at the cover.

Dating 101.

He turned back to Taeyong, who was now working on his chips, drinking from a small cup of water at random intervals.

"What is this?" he asked, holding up the magazine.

Taeyong looked towards his direction, his chewing halted when he stared at what Ten was holding. "I don't know."

Ten tilted his head. "Really? So I guess Doyoung came in here and left it?" he asked sarcastically.

Taeyong smiled sheepishly. "Yes?"

The younger sat beside Taeyong, ignoring his sad lie and flipping through the pages. "I have so many questions right now..." he said, seeing the pink and colorful boxes that held literally novels about how to 'win one's heart', or 'how to make them fall in love with you'. Taeyong watched him as he looked through it, a blush on his cheeks.

"When did you even get this?" Ten turned to him, and Taeyong looked away.

"The day you were gone." he replied, watching Ten run his fingers over the dog eared pages.

"And I'm assuming something in here made you angry, considering it was flung across the room. Care to share?" he asked, turning to the sheepish male once again. His tone was like a mother catching their child in an act.

Taeyong kept staring at the magazine. "It... said I had to take you on a date to succeed in our relationship." Saying it out loud makes him feel even more ashamed.

Ten stared at Taeyong, not saying anything. He was angry at the idiot who wrote this. So this is what gave him those insecurities.

"I'm just holding you back from someone better!"

Taeyong flinched as the sound of pages tearing filled the room. He looked over to see Ten ripping out almost every page, his jaw set.

The sound of crumpling papers filled the room, and Ten was silent as he focused on his destruction.

He saw Taeyong take one of the poor scraps from the pile that he was creating, but he paid him no mind. How can a piece of paper fill someone's head with so many cruel thoughts?

A hand was placed on top of his, stopping him from ripping yet another piece of paper.

A small piece of paper that was folded into a heart was held out to him, and Ten looked up to see Taeyong smiling softly.

His hand was opened, and the heart was placed in there. Ten could feel his own heart being put into the hands of Taeyong in return.

He looked down and smoothed his fingers over the heart smiling so widely. The small gesture spoke a million words, and Ten felt all of his anger fall away. He kissed Taeyong's shoulder, and leaned his head there, still admiring the piece of paper. Taeyong had turned something that had filled him with rage into something that filled him with love.

"Never again." Taeyong spoke softly into the calming silence that filled the room. "I will never let a piece of paper control you and I." he concluded, pressing a kiss to the top of Ten's head. Ten closed his eyes and sighed.

"Never again."

The rest of the day was spent cuddling, and Ten never let that little heart go.

****

The two weeks of Taeyong's suspension came fairly quickly, and the end of the month with it.

It was easy for both of them to wait for something that seemed so far away, because it didn't matter that they couldn't go outside anymore. What mattered is that they had each other. That's what made their days enjoyable. However, Ten definitely missed hearing Taeyong's piano playing.

Ten thought about this as he sat at his usual spot of Jungwoo's cafe. He chewed on his chocolate muffin and sipped his coffee as he scrolled through his phone. It was a Sunday, and despite Ten's wishes, he didn't have an excuse to go see Taeyong.

Naturally, that doesn't stop him from seeing him whenever he closes his eyes, even for a blink.

"Ten?"

Ten looked up from the game on his phone.

It was Sunmi.

"Sunmi! Hi!" Ten was surprised to see her here.

"May I sit?" She asked, gesturing to the seat across from him. She sat down when Ten gave a kind nod of approval.

"How have you been?" Ten asked her, turning off his phone and sitting back. He sipped his coffee as she talked.

"I've been good! I actually come here regularly now. The coffee is good."

"It really is." Ten said, finally detaching his lips from his cup. Sunmi laughed at that.

A silence fell upon them, and Ten was waiting for Sunmi to ask the question that was clear on her face.

"How is he?" Sunmi finally asked, her tone much quieter than when she last spoke.

Ten stared sincerely at her. "He's doing great. He did run into an obstacle a couple weeks ago, but it only made him stronger."

"An obstacle?" She asked, looking worried.

Ten nodded, pursing his lips. "It's preferred that I keep this confidential, but I feel that you have the right to know." He said, inhaling. "I had a family emergency, and he was left alone for a little bit. Some guys said some vulgar things, and he got into a fight with them."

Sunmi looked down. "What did they say? I know Taeyong would always lash out when our family is brought up."

Ten shook his head, fidgeting with the empty wrapper of his chocolate muffin. "Him and I have worked on that trigger. It's almost completely gone now. That's why Doyoung thought it was okay to give him the liberty of being on his own for a while."

"Then... What's the new trigger? What did they say?"

Ten looked up at Sunmi. She really is beautiful, an exact mirror image of Taeyong. But the look of worry and concern is something that impedes on her features. Ten felt a strong need to wipe that look away.

"They implied that they would want to do... things with me... consensual or not." Ten said, scrunching his face in disgust. Sunmi covered her mouth, clearly just as discomforted as he was. "Doyoung assumed that the trigger was me, which is really the only explanation."

Ten held eye contact with Sunmi. "Taeyong was protecting me, Sunmi. He acted violently to get back at them for what they said about me, not just for the reason of loving violence. It's a big step for him."

Sunmi nodded, looking down and fidgeting with her fingers. It was clear that it hit her. The realization that maybe, her brother will be okay.

Ten was now playing with his cup. "You know, his suspension is over. He can go outside now. Actually he has been going outside now for a while. I wish you could see the look on his face when he first saw the sun from somewhere other than a small window."

Sunmi smiled. "I'm sure I would've cried on the spot from happiness." She laughed, sniffling. "Taeyong was always praised for his looks by our father's co-workers. I always teased him for looking like a rice ball."

Ten smiled at the sight of Sunmi reminiscing. It made him happy to no longer see her blaming herself for her brother's traumas.

"You can visit him, you know."

Sunmi looked up in shock.

"I'd have to get his permission, and yours, but it's possible now."

Sunmi looked as though she tried not to seem hopeful. "I don't think he would want to see me."

Ten looked at her, silently asking her to explain why. Sunmi understood.

"When he found out that I wanted to send him to the hospital, he got mad. He threw things, some things at the wall, some things at me."

Sunmi rolled up her sleeve, and Ten frowned when he saw a deep scar that ran across her forearm.

"It... it wasn't the Taeyong I knew. It wasn't the Taeyong that I grew up with. It only made me more sure that he needed help." Sunmi's eyes filled with tears as they moved this way and that as if she were reliving everything again. She inhaled and her breath shook as a sob wanted to come out.

"He said he hated me, and that I wasn't his real sister... I know that it wasn't my brother I was speaking to, but the words hurt. To be called those things while you're trying to help them... It only makes me believe that he hates me more."

Sunmi kept her sleeves rolled up, and Ten solemnly stared at the scar.

"Sunmi," Ten started. "What you did was help him, and like you said, the Taeyong you spoke to then wasn't him. Words are something that we can't take back, but we can speak new ones to mend whatever the last ones broke. Meeting Taeyong is an opportunity to do that."

Sunmi let her tears fall. She nodded, showing that she was listening to him. Her hand went to her scar and started stroking it, and Ten knew that it was a habit that she must have.

He placed his hands on top of hers for comfort. "Think about it, okay?" he said, nodding encouragingly.

Sunmi nodded. "Thank you again, Ten. He really does need to."

Ten smiled. "He needs you just as much."

****

Ten didn't receive any word that Sunmi wanted to visit Taeyong.

He understood that she needed the time to think about it, so he didn't ask her, or speak to Taeyong about it. He didn't want to risk the chance of giving either of their hopes up, and figured that Taeyong would know about Sunmi when she's ready.

For the next three weeks, Ten and Taeyong did nothing but spend time with each other, happy to be able to be together in their little hallway again.

They were walking there now, and Ten realized that he forgot his phone in his office.

"Taeyong." Ten called, feeling his pockets.

Taeyong turned around. He was too lost in the scenery of the grass outside the large window in the cafeteria to even notice that Ten stopped walking.

I love you, Ten couldn't help but tell him in his head.

"I forgot my phone in my office, and I wanted to bring it so I could show you some songs." he said, gesturing towards the direction of the hallway that his workspace sat in.

Taeyong nodded and followed.

They walked side by side, and Ten felt Taeyong's pinky locking with his, but then pulling away. He looked up at the taller to see him looking down at him with a handsome smile.

As they turned into the right hallway, which was significantly less crowded, Taeyong daringly held Ten's hand. "Let's just say I'm having trouble walking or something. I want to hold your hand."

Ten laughed at Taeyong's serious expression, like he was growing mad that he couldn't hold his hand in his. Taeyong turned at the sound, smiling and bringing the back of Ten's hand to his lips.

Ten stopped them at his office, letting go of Taeyong's hand to quickly walk in and get his phone. He had to look around for a little bit, until he found it under his desk.

He walked out the door, holding it up to show Taeyong. "Found it." he said with a smile of relief.

Taeyong didn't respond. Instead, he was looking at something on the bulletin board right next to the door.

"Taeyong?" Ten called, walked towards him. He stopped beside him, and saw that he was staring at his calendar. He looked back at the other in confusion.

Taeyong snapped out of his thoughts when Ten interlocked their hands again, shaking his head. "Yeah... yeah sorry."

"What were you looking at?" Ten asked, trying to find what on the calendar caught his attention so badly.

"Nothing, just... It's been a while since I've seen what the date was." Taeyong finally turned to him with a smile.

Ten hummed as Taeyong continued walking, pulling him away from the calendar.

****

Ten shuffled in his sleep after snoozing his alarm, not wanting to get up so early that day.

But the world seemed to have other plans.

If the 'world' was named Jungwoo.

Ten groaned loudly at the sound of Jungwoo barging into his room, blowing into a birthday horn and wearing a party hat. From what Ten could see through his sleepily squinted eyes, he could tell that his brother looked stupid.

He grabbed the sides of his pillow, covering his ears with them and turning away from the screaming male.

"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!" Jungwoo was singing by the time Ten had turned away.

Turning away was his biggest mistake, because he hadn't expected Jungwoo to jump on top of him. He struggled under the weight, trying to push him off.

"Happy birthday, dear thebestbrotherinthewholewideworldthatIlovesomuchandhisnameis Ten!" Jungwoo was screaming right into his ear now, pushing away Ten's hands that were clawing at him. Ten was smiling now at his brother's theatrics, despite the annoyance that was still there for his ruined beauty sleep.

"Happy birthday... to... you!" Jungwoo held the last word with a long note, bouncing on Ten. If the neighbors didn't hate the two from their movie nights when they watched horror movies, then they sure did now.

"Okay! Okay!" Ten said with a laugh. Jungwoo got off him, laughing as well, allowing Ten to sit up and wipe his tired eyes.

He turned to the taller at the same moment that he got out a party hat for him as well and put it on him. His was more extravagant however, with the words, 'birthday boy' and big bubbly letters. Ten smiled and adjusted it better on his head.

"So, what are we going to do today?" Jungwoo asked, bouncing again. "Maybe we should go bowling, or maybe we should watch a movie. Here or at a theatre? I do want popcorn. But we'll have to save room in our stomachs for your cake? Forget it! Let's do all of it!"

Ten laughed at his brother's antics. "We can't do all of that today, Woo. Are you forgetting that I still have work?"

Jungwoo whined. "Oh, come on! Surely you can miss a day, right? I mean, it's your birthday." Jungwoo whined louder this time, bouncing again.

"Yes, but you remember what happened the last time I didn't come to work. I'm not gonna let that happen again."

"Who says it will?"

"Who says it won't?"

"Ten..." Jungwoo whined again, something he always did when he knew Ten was right.

"Woo..." Ten called back, matching his tone. "If I had any other job, then the whole day would be ours."

Jungwoo deflated. "But, you would always take a day off..."

"Yes, before Taeyong was assigned to me."

Jungwoo threw himself down on the bed in defeat. "I can't believe you're choosing to spend your birthday with your boyfriend, instead of your brother."

Ten chuckled, he leaned down, pressing a wet kiss on Jungwoo's cheeks, which the other tried to deflect and wipe off after. "I'm not choosing anyone. I have a job, and I'm going to do it."

Jungwoo stared back at the other for a moment before whining loudly again. Ten shook his head with a smile and got up to shower.

****

February 27th, Taeyong recalled.

Ten's birthday.

When he saw it on Ten's calendar a few weeks ago, it all clicked.

It was the perfect day to carry out his plans.

He had made sure to ask Doyoung of the date every single day since then, so that he made sure that he didn't get the wrong date. If he knew the other as well as he thinks, then Ten wouldn't say anything about it.

He had kept it a secret from the other that he knew, and he had lied about what he was looking at on the calendar.

February 27th, today.

"Happy birthday, Tennie." He said with a smile, focusing on folding a piece of paper.

****

Ten walked into Taeyong's room, smiling not because of his birthday, but just the thought that he got to see Taeyong again.

He didn't really plan on telling Taeyong about his birthday. He didn't see a point. Nothing should be different just because he was born that day.

"Hi, Taeyong." he said, smiling and closing the door behind him.

It was like Taeyong was already looking at the door before the beep even came, because he was standing there with a smile on his face. Ten was confused, but he didn't question it. If Taeyong was happy, so was he.

Ten walked towards Taeyong. He was going to sit on his bed, like they usually did. Ten always got there around an hour before they were able to go outside, so they usually just sat around until then.

But it seemed as though Taeyong had other plans, because the moment Ten was right next to him, about to turn around and sit down, he was pulled into the older's arms.

It took a moment to register that he was being held, and he smiled as he wound his arms around his neck. He could feel Taeyong's warm breath caressing his cheek and shoulder, especially when he let out a deep exhale, like he was relieved.

"You're being sweet today." Ten mused as he lifted his head from the other's shoulder.

"I'm always sweet to you." Taeyong replied, sounding pouty. His voice was muffled by Ten's shirt.

Ten couldn't help but laugh from the ticklish sensations of Taeyong's voice vibrating through his body. "Not like this."

Taeyong finally looked up, his face holding mock annoyance. "You want this everyday? Fine." he said, burrowing his head back.

Ten laughed louder. "That's not what I said, but sure."

Taeyong huffed and pulled away. "Fine, then I won't ever hug you like that again." he retorted, pulling away.

Ten's cheeks hurt from smiling as he pulled the other back against him by the neck. "I meant that that wasn't what I said, but I'm not complaining. I love your hugs." He said, squeezing the other close to him. He inhaled the other's calming scent and closed his eyes.

"Now can we lie down? I had to walk here cause I fell asleep on the bus and woke up at the wrong stop. It's safe to say that my feet hurt." Ten asked.

He could feel Taeyong's smile against his skin.

****

The hour passed by just as quickly as the two weeks did.

Being with Taeyong made Ten feel like he forgot the entire concept of time.

When he saw the clock on his phone and told Taeyong that it was time to go, Taeyong stopped him from getting up.

"Can you wait here?" Taeyong asked.

Ten's brows furrowed. "Why?"

"Because..."

"Because what?" Ten asked.

"Because... Just trust me... please?" Taeyong said with the puppy eyes that Ten can never resist.

But Ten was a little too worried about what could happen when Taeyong is out there alone to care. "I don't like the idea of you being alone out there again, Taeyong." he said wearily.

"I know, and you have all the reason to be paranoid. But please, let me go alone and do something just this once. I'll come right back I promise." Taeyong pleaded, this time kneeling and grabbing hold of Ten's hands.

Ten pouted. "That's unfair. You're using your charms."

Taeyong smiled devilishly, and the therapist sighed. "This is complete manipulation, but fine. But you have to come right back, do you understand?" Ten said, his authoritative tone activated.

Taeyong nodded quickly.

That smile is worth the risk, Ten thought. He leaned down, kissing Taeyong's forehead. "Hurry up."

Taeyong reached up as Ten pulled away and kissed him on the lips instead, taking him by surprise. "Thank you. I'll be right back." he said, rushing to the door. He halted suddenly, turning back and pointing to the bedsheets.

"I need those."

The sitting male rose a brow in interest as to why Taeyong would need it. He took the sheets out from underneath him and gave it to him anyway.

Taeyong mumbled a small thank you and goodbye as he ran out.

Ten sighed with a smile on his face.

****

Around twenty minutes later, Taeyong returned.

The door burst open, causing Ten to flinch and look up from his phone. He was greeted with a breathless Taeyong, panting and sweaty.

"Okay... I'm ready." Taeyong said between heavy breaths. He bent over, putting his hands on his knees and catching his breath. Ten's eyebrows rose.

"Are you okay?"

Taeyong suddenly snapped up, causing Ten to flinch. It was like he was never out of breath in the first place, because he was completely still as he dramatically posed like a prince, holding his hand out to Ten.

"I'm great. Shall we?"

He's seriously not human, Ten thought as he laughed, getting up and linking arms with the older.

Ten didn't know what to expect as Taeyong led him through the halls, a blinding smile on his face. It made Ten not worry where he was going. Taeyong could be leading him to his imminent death and Ten would barely blink.

They came to their favorite hallway, and Taeyong stopped them in front of the door to the gardens. He turned around and looked at Ten, who thought he could see nervousness in his eyes.

If he was nervous, he sure did a great job at hiding it, because his voice was completely calm and smooth as he moved aside from the door, gesturing for Ten to open in himself.

"After you."

"If there's a trap behind this door, and you're doing this as revenge for me kicking you in the balls, then I just want you to know. You deserved it." Ten remarked. He had walked towards Taeyong while speaking, and put only an inch of space between their faces.

Taeyong smiled, leaning forward and pecking Ten's lips. "Open the door and find out."

Ten hummed, trying to lean in for another kiss, but Taeyong moved away, gesturing to the door once more.

The shorter sighed in defeat. He moved to the door, slowly opening it and stopping when he saw what was on the other side of the door.

It was so simple, that you could almost miss it. But the idea of it was so sweet, that Ten thought he would get a cavity.

"Taeyong..." Ten started, staring at the makeshift picnic in front of them.

The bedsheet was laid out across the floor as the place to sit, and there were plates of the standard hospital lunch sitting across from each other. The sun shined directly down onto the top of the grass hill where everything sat, creating the perfect ambience.

Taeyong came up from behind him, sneaking his arms around his waist and pulling him close to his chest. Ten jumped at first, but relaxed into the warmth, resting his head back onto his shoulder.

"Do you like it?" Taeyong whispered into his ear.

Ten smiled, turning his head slightly to meet the taller's eyes. "I love it."

"Good." Taeyong concluded. He fumbled with something in his pockets, and held out a small piece of paper from the magazine Ten had ripped that was now folded into a little kitten. Ten's heart skipped a beat. He had always told Taeyong about how much he loved cats, and how he wanted to get one someday.

"Happy birthday, Ten." He whispered, placing it gently in Ten's hands.

Ten smiled out of adoration for a second, before it hit him. He looked back to Taeyong.

"How did you know it was my birth-"

Ten closed his eyes. "The calendar."

Taeyong smiled. "Why didn't you want me to know?"

Ten shrugged. "I don't really see a point. Each and every day that I spend with you should be about you, not me." he explained, interlocking their fingers with his free hand when he heard Taeyong's breath hitch at the words.

"Our days together are about us, Ten, because you make me feel like myself again." he spoke softly against his temple once he gained his breath back.

Ten sighed, turning in Taeyong's arms, pressing his hands against his chest, and staring at his heart as he spoke. "Fine, but that means that for your birthday, you'll be pampered so much, you won't even need to lift anything for yourself."

Taeyong laughed softly, pressing his forehead against his. "Whatever you say."

They stood like that for a few moments, just holding each other like that, before Taeyong spoke.

"C'mon, your birthday food is getting cold." he said, grabbing Ten's hand and leading him to the top of the hill.

Ten laughed when Taeyong stopped him from sitting down, making sure to pat it like a gentleman before making him sit on the blanket. He went around to his own side and sat.

Taeyong moved around a little bit, like he was uncomfortable.

"What's wrong?" Ten asked.

Taeyong's brows were furrowed. "You're too far away."

Ten threw his head back in a laugh, something that the other couldn't help but smile at.

The shorter got up and moved around the food, plopping himself down on Taeyong's lap. Taeyong grunted at the pressure, but embraced him nonetheless.

"Is that better?" Ten whispered.

Taeyong hooked his chin on Taeyong's shoulder. "Mhmm."

They began to eat, talking about nothing special, and that made it everything to Ten. To simply enjoy the warmth of each other's bodies and not worry about anything else.

When they were finished with their food, Taeyong stopped Ten from grabbing the small chocolate cake that was a special in the cafeteria, and took it in his own hands.

"I wanna eat it now." Ten pouted, trying to grab it out of Taeyong's hands.

Taeyong laughed. "Hang on a second." he said, taking yet another item out of his pocket. "I wanna say something real quick."

Ten sighed in mock annoyance. He didn't prepare his heart for the words Taeyong later spoke.

"The hospital obviously wouldn't let me have candles, so..." Taeyong presented a small origami candle made out of the magazine again. Ten smiled at its cuteness.

"Happy birthday to you..." Taeyong began singing. His voice was deep and reverberated through Ten's body, stunning him.

"Happy birthday, dear Tennie." Taeyong said with a smile, and Ten giggled. He stuck the paper candle into the front of the little cake as he sang the first verse.

"Happy birthday to you..." Taeyong sang the last words even softer, which Ten didn't think was possible.

The cake was held in front of his face and Ten smiled, 'blowing out' the 'candle'. He turned to Taeyong again and they shared a smile.

"You know, you're a really good singer." He said.

Taeyong hummed, smiling. "Am I?"

Ten nodded. "Your voice is really relaxing."

Taeyong kissed the crook of Ten's neck.

"When did you learn to make these?" Ten asked another question, pointing to the candle.

Taeyong tensed, and Ten realized that it brought back a memory. He stroked Taeyong's hands as an attempt to comfort him, and it seemed to work, because he felt him relax again.

"My sister taught me." Taeyong finally spoke.

The image of a crying Sunmi stroking the scar on her arm entered Ten's mind. He sunk more into Taeyong's chest.

"Can you teach me one day?" He asked. Taeyong looked at him, surprised.

"I just... I want to learn more about the Taeyong that grew up and made you the man that's holding me today... if you'll have me."

Taeyong smiled, that fire of an unknown emotion swimming in his eyes again when Ten turned to him. He pressed his face into the crook of Ten's neck.

"Why not? You already have me."

Ten smiled, closing his eyes and relaxing once again.

"Ten..."

Ten hummed, not thinking too much about how he was called.

"I..."

That was enough to get his attention. He opened his eyes, staring sincerely into Taeyong's.

Their faces were barely an inch apart when Taeyong sighed, finally letting the words loose.

"I love you."

Ten nearly choked on air. Both of their breaths were shaky as Ten lunged himself further into Taeyong's arms, wrapping his arms around his neck and kissing him passionately.

They fall back into the soft grass, their lips saying all the things that just can't be expressed with words.

Ten slowly pulled back, pressing one last kiss to Taeyong's lips before speaking.

"I love you too. So much, Taeyong."

Taeyong laughed, his eyes filling with tears.

They savored that break, kissing and cuddling on the soft ground of the earth.

****

When Ten went home later that night, he made sure not to wake Jungwoo up.

He walked to his room, taking out the new origami papers, and rested them on his nightstand, right next to the heart Taeyong gave him before.

He smiled. "Goodnight, Taeyong. I love you."

He got into bed, and fell asleep with one single thought.

Best birthday ever.

Lee Taeyong.