Y'all, it's been so long since I updated this and I apologize! I don't usually make author's notes, but some people thought this story ended lmao, and I also wanted to thank you all for 3K reads! I do see y'all's comments by the way, and they make me both confused and happy at the same time. 

There is going to be a song that I would like you to listen to as you read this, it'll help the experience... I hope. It gave me the idea for this chapter, so it will really help with the atmosphere.  There is going a note that tells you when to start playing the song, so look out for that! The song is Kiss Me by Ed Sheeran.

Anyways, I hope this chapter makes up for the time I never updated! I think thoughts are the best way to tell a story, because it keeps you connected and engaged with the character, so this chapter is in Taeyong's POV, which I'm very excited for!

Enjoy!

****

Taeyong always wanted to believe in fairy tales.

But how can one believe in them when they've never even heard one?

For Taeyong, his life has only ever consisted of one story. He's only ever heard of one story, created specifically for him by his mother.

That's how a child first learns about stories. When a parent reads one to them, as the child is cozily tucked into their sheets, and on the brink of sleep.

Truth be told, Taeyong always dreamed of that feeling. The one you get when you feel as if you could stay in one place forever, never feeling the need to move a muscle, because you feel safe, secured, loved.

Yet, the same bad luck that always seems to haunt Taeyong with every breath he takes, deprives him of any possibility of ever having that wish granted.

He had always loved the idea of someone saving the other, pulling them out of the dark depths they were trapped in before. Maybe this was because he needed someone to save him, or the idea just fascinated him, he wouldn't be able to say.

He eventually gave up on the whole idea of a fairy tale, after taking so many hits from the cruel world he lived in. He concluded that no one would be sent to save him, and no one would want to either.

Until he came along.

Ten.

The name seems to be the only thing occupying his usually empty head, renewing its presence with every session.

Ten, the boy who single-handedly demolished the walls he worked so hard on building, the boy who renewed his love for things he thought he ought've abandoned, the boy who brought sleep to his sleepless world, and dreams to his empty eyes.

Ten.

It was only until this boy came into his life, that Taeyong felt like someone wanted to help him, not for a paycheck, not for a growth in their career, but to help him.

Taeyong eventually gave up on wondering why he feels so differently about Ten. Why he feels this strong urge to protect him from any possible harm. Why he never feels the need to smile, until the boy walks in the room with his lame jokes and incessantly blinding smile.

But he can't fight the thought crawling into his head again whenever he's left alone in his own little dark world. Like now, as he lies in his bed that is rock hard from the thin material, but plush from the thoughts swimming in his brain.

It still takes some getting used to, the feeling of needing to sleep. He didn't know if it was insomnia before, or lack of exertion, but he did know that he never needed to sleep until he came along.

It's thoughts like these that make Taeyong wonder if he's found his own "savior", or simply a mirage that has been displayed in front of him.

His thoughts are interrupted as a yawn escapes his mouth. Since when did I ever yawn? Since when did I ever look at the time, because I was anticipating his visit?

Time is such an interesting concept, something humanity made to define the day from the night, the sun from the moon, and the light from the dark. Did we do it to know where our planet is in the galaxy? Or to organize ourselves throughout our day?

Taeyong wished he knew everything about the world, and he can't help but take his mind to another place at the thought.

"Taeyong? What are you doing in here?" Sooman asked. He was surprised to see his 8 year old son in his office, looking baffled by the Newton's cradle moving on the desk.

"N-nothing Papa." Taeyong responded. He didn't want to tell his father that he was looking for the first aid kit, trying to treat his cuts and bruises, given to him by his mother. He definitely didn't want to anger his mother further (though he didn't know why she was mad in the first place), by having his father find out. He opted for discreetly pulling down his long sleeves under the desk.

Sooman chuckled and walked over to his son. He lifted him up from the chair and put him on his lap after sitting down. Taeyong tried hard to hide his whimpers of pain and keep his sleeves rolled down.

"It's fascinating isn't it? This is called a Newton's cradle." Sooman began, stopping it momentarily and holding one of the furthest balls outward.

"If I were to let this ball go, what do you think would happen?"

"It would hit the other ball." Taeyong said after a long moment of serious thinking.

"That's right, and do you know what would happen after?"

"This ball would swing and hit this one." Taeyong said, pointing at the ball at the opposite end, then the one next to it.

Sooman looked dramatically surprised by the knowledge of the boy. "How did you know this?!"

Taeyong giggled. "I saw it, Papa"

Sooman scoffed playfully, tickling his son, emitting loud laughs from the younger. "Impossible! You must be punished for being so smart!"

"Papa! Stop! It tickles!" Taeyong screamed. He was thankful no injuries lay on his tummy, and he felt his spirits being lifted by his father's warm presence.

Sooman eventually stopped torturing his son with tickles with a light laugh, and later spoke.

"Do you know why this ball would swing?"

Taeyong rubbed his chin and hummed, copying his father when he would think.

"Magic?" He said, smiling up at his father.

Sooman threw his head back with a laugh. "Not quite."

"When I let this ball go, the force from the hit with this ball would travel all the way through these ones, until it hits this one here." Sooman explained, indicating every ball he was talking about with a point of his finger.

Taeyong just gaped at the new knowledge he had learned. He always looked up to his father and his knowledge of how things worked in the world, no matter how silly or simple they are.

"How do you know that, Papa?"

"I learned about it when I was younger, you will learn a lot of things yourself."

Taeyong pouted. "I wish I knew everything already. Everything about the world."

Sooman once again let out a boisterous laugh. "Oh, but it's so much more fun to wonder about the world! You may not value it now, but wondering is possibly the best trait humans have, it makes us cherish the world around us more, because we will always want to know more about it."

Taeyong thought for a moment before nodding determinedly. "I want to know nothing. I want to wonder."

Sooman chuckled and patted his son's tummy. "That's my boy."

Taeyong smiled proudly at the praise, something he rarely receives. His smile turned into a frown at a nagging thought.

"Papa?"

"Hm?"

"Can you be at home more?"

Sooman looked apologetically at his son. "I wish I could, but I need to work to make sure my company does well, you know this."

Taeyong couldn't help but whimper and felt tears rolling down his cheeks. Sooman grew surprised at this and pulled his son closer to him, asking what was wrong.

"Taeyong, don't cry, you have your mother here to watch after you while I'm gone."

Taeyong shook his head, crying harder from the onslaught of horrific memories the word 'mother' brings. "I don't want Mama, I want Papa."

Sooman clicked his tongue in pity and pulled his son closer.

That was one of the few memories Taeyong had with his father.

He loved his father, he was a good man. But he always chose his company over his family, and it helped the fall of the whole household.

If he was being honest, he always wished he had more to remember him by, so that they could drain the ocean of traumatic memories brought to him by his mother.

He sniffled and subconsciously wiped his eyes. He then realized that he had been crying.

This was another thing that was brought back to him by the boy. Emotions. Ten broke his emotionless dam, and now a tidal wave of them is hitting him.

It had been a couple months after Taeyong opened up to Ten about his father. The two had been diligently working to get the patient to go outside. Ten always stayed longer at the hospital, working through Taeyong's thoughts and feelings, finding each pressure point to get rid of. This sometimes resulted in the therapist staying the night at the hospital, leaving Taeyong with more thoughts, more wonders.

Tomorrow, Taeyong will have his check-up. This isn't just the usual checkup, it's the one to determine whether or no Taeyong is ready to go outside. All of Ten and Taeyong's work relies on this one day, so it's safe to say that Taeyong is nervous, although it's a rare sight.

But what Taeyong wonders, is why he worries so much about letting Ten down. That's another feeling the boy brings to Taeyong. The want for acceptance, an emotion he gave up on long ago.

Taeyong yawned again. Deciding that he should finally close his eyes and submit himself to sleep, he shifted himself into a more comfortable position.

"Goodnight, Ten."

****

Taeyong opens his eyes to find himself in the same room, the same bed, lying in the same position. He gets up, thinking it was a new day, the day.

He saw that the heavy metal door that guarded his room was cracked open, drawing him closer to it in confusion.

As he approached the door, he heard muffled voices. He swung the door open to see Ten talking with Doyoung.

Taeyong immediately made his way to Ten, something he had grown accustomed to do.

"Ten." Taeyong called.

Ten looked up at Taeyong, but it wasn't the same. There was no blinding smile, no lame joke spilled from his mouth. It was all replaced with some solemn emotion that Taeyong couldn't place.

"Taeyong." Ten called sternly. Again, this wasn't the same either. There was no sway to Ten's feet as he called the other's name, no sing-songy tone to his voice. It was firm, and serious. Taeyong's brows contracted in confusion.

"We need to talk." Ten said, beckoning Taeyong to follow as he walked briskly into the cold, metal room again.

As they sat down, Ten spoke.

"It's about your check-up results." he said, emotionlessly.

Taeyong grew confused, as he thought he had yet to take the exam, given that in his mind, he had just woken up.

"How did I do?" Taeyong asked. For some reason, he couldn't meet the other's eyes, but nearly pulled something in his neck when he heard a strained whimper from Ten. He was crying.

"You disappointed me, Taeyong. All my hard work, and you ruined it!" Ten said, his voice a shout by the end. He stood up from the bed and grabbed the neck of Taeyong's shirt.

Taeyong was too shocked to respond to Ten's continuous shouts, too shocked to block the slaps and punches that flew at him. This went on for what seemed like an eternity. Taeyong's face was covered in blood and tears.

His biggest fear, the thing he was most scared to do, happened. He let Ten down. He failed.

He was scared of what the other would do next, what he would say. He just hopes none of them consist of leaving.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm--" Taeyong sobbed. He looked again at the other but it wasn't Ten's face, it was his sister, Sunmi's. He stared in shock, before another punch landed on his face. He looked again to see the therapist's face again.

Ten stopped hitting Taeyong. He stood there, glaring at Taeyong, a look Taeyong never thought he would receive from the kind and caring Ten he once knew.

Ten's grip on Taeyong shirt slowly loosened as he stepped backwards towards the door.

"Ten... I-I'm sorry." Taeyong said, desperation spilling from his eyes in the form of his own salty tears.

"Sorry isn't enough, Taeyong."

Taeyong looked Ten in the eyes, choking on a sob when he saw nothing but unbridled hatred.

"Your mother was right, you really are worthless." Ten said, shutting the door.

Taeyong jumped at the loud beep, shouting after Ten. He tripped and fell onto his knees with a loud thud that echoed through the room.

After a long and agonizing minute of staring helplessly at the floor, Taeyong screamed, his fist pounding the floor.

Taeyong awoke with a heavy gasp. He felt multiple beads of sweat glide down his skin. Silent tears were rolling down his cheeks during his sleep. His breaths were rushed and laboured.

It was only after 10 minutes, that Taeyong found his breath slowing down to its original pace again.

He closed his eyes and sighed.

It was just a dream.

But a question in Taeyong's head kept him from pushing his fears away.

It was just a dream, but how long until you make it a reality?

Stop.

How long before Ten leaves you? How long before you have to watch him walk away? How long before he gives up on you too?

Stop.

Just like your father and sister did.

"Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop." Taeyong rapidly repeated, trying to push away his anxiety that was eating at his brain.

His breath grew in pace again, faster than before. Taeyong wheezed, trying to gain his breath again, but to no avail.

"Ten." Taeyong called.

"Hm?"

"How does this thing help?" He asked, holding up the stress ball.

Ten looked up from his playlist on his phone, furrowing his brows, but smiling.

"Your stress cherry? You're telling me, you've been using that thing for over 5 months and you don't even know the use of it?"

Taeyong nodded innocently.

Ten chuckled lightly, shaking his head. He scooted closer to Taeyong, until their sides were almost completely molded together. Taeyong felt the same urges he usually gets around the smaller surge through him, and his grip on the cherry tightened.

Ten reached over, lightly tickling the back of Taeyong's fist, coaxing his grip to slowly loosen. Taeyong kept his eyes glued on Ten the entire duration.

"Originally," Ten started. He grabbed the cherry out of Taeyong's hand once his grip was completely lax and held it out in front of them both. "I wanted to give this to you, because you clenched your fists so hard, that you broke the skin on your palm." He continued, taking his hand.

He fully extended Taeyong's hand, stroking the middle of his palm with his thumb. He smiled, seeing that the small crescent marks were completely healed, now only being seen in the form of scars.

"But, I've also noticed that you use it to calm yourself down, whether you knew you did that or not."

Taeyong didn't respond, lost in his thoughts. He had never realized that he used it so much to calm himself down. His heart rate sped up at the thought that Ten always noticed things he didn't even notice about himself. He didn't know any possibility as to why his heart did that, but he simply didn't bother to question it.

"Taeyong." Ten called, looking up at Taeyong.

Taeyong didn't vocally respond, but he looked away from his hand and turned to look at Ten. That was all Ten needed to know what he meant. That's how it worked between them. They didn't need to use words. Taeyong spoke with physical language, and Ten was the only one who could understand him.

"When you get anxiety attacks, or when you feel constricted," Ten placed the cherry back in Taeyong's hand. "Take deep breaths and count to 4, and squeeze the cherry on each inhale." Ten said, demonstrating by inhaling deeply and squeezing the back of Taeyong's hand to squeeze the cherry. He slowly loosened the grip as he exhaled.

Taeyong stared at his hand lying on Ten's for a moment, before trying it himself. Ten's hand never left from under Taeyong's, even with every squeeze.

Taeyong found a rhythm in his breathing, closing his eyes and listening to his own calm breaths. His eyes opened from surprise when he felt a weight tuck itself into his neck and shoulder.

He looked to his side and let his eyes fall on Ten, who was lulled to sleep by the calm atmosphere.

Taeyong's heart unknowingly clenched at the sight of the sleeping boy.

He looked to their hands, putting down the cherry, and turning his hand around to slip his fingers into Ten's. He didn't know why he felt the need to do this, and he didn't know what he was trying to say through the touch, but he enjoyed the warmth.

He felt that he himself was slowly falling asleep as well, and he didn't fight it, letting his head rest on the top of Ten's. He closed his eyes, making sure that their fingers would stay in place.

"Goodnight, Ten."

Taeyong looked around in panic for the red stress ball. He tripped off his bed when he saw it sitting on the chair across the room. His breaths were still labored as he launched himself to get the stress ball. He grabbed, sitting on the floor against the front of the chair. Ten's words started echoing in his brain like a mantra.

He focused on slowing down his breaths, squeezing the cherry on each inhale. Eventually, he calmed himself, letting out one deep sigh of relief. He closed his eyes, letting himself settle down and rest.

Today is the day.

****

Taeyong always found himself anticipating a certain someone's arrival, waiting for that all familiar beep. He can't help but be disappointed every time when it's just Doyoung to come give him his meds when Ten can't be there to do it. He's been throwing them out ever since Ten questioned why he even used them if they don't work.

But today, his anticipation has grown tenfold, his leg bouncing rapidly. He didn't know if it was from nervousness, excitement, fear, or all of them put together.

His head shot to the door when he heard a beep coming from the large metal door. He met Ten's eyes and his bright smile.

Ten walked in, closing the door behind him. His smile looked soft today, but Taeyong could tell that he had some sort of nervousness too, based on his fidgety hands and the emotions swimming in his so easily readable eyes. Ten wasn't the only one who could read the other.

The two stared at each other in comfortable science, Taeyong standing. They were taking small steps towards each other without even realizing it until they were in close proximity.

Ten's smile managed to soften even more, something Taeyong didn't even know was possible. And for some reason, all his fears disappeared for a moment. Eventually, Ten broke the silence.

"Hey, Taeyong."

Taeyong responded by simply pulling the other into a hug, wrapping his arms securely around Ten's waist. This was a greeting in and of itself.

Ten loosely wound his arms around Taeyong's neck in response to the hug. "Are you ready?"

Taeyong's arms around Ten tightened. I'm scared.

Ten reciprocated the action, understanding what Taeyong's former action meant. "It's ok, I'll be there with you the whole time, okay?" He said this in a whisper, like Taeyong was the only one meant to hear it.

Taeyong nuzzled into the crook of Ten's neck further, emitting a laugh from Ten.

"C'mon." Ten said softly, pulling away from Taeyong.

They walked out through the halls to Doyoung's office, now used to the squeals and giggles that could be heard from the nurses sitting far away at their desks.

They stopped outside the door, Ten telling a nurse, Lisa, that Taeyong was there for the check up and exam.

Taeyong followed Ten aimlessly, like a puppy too afraid to wander off or even move a muscle if Ten didn't do it first. He stood behind Ten, looking either at the ground of the Ten's back.

Everyone who was passing by was surprised at Taeyong's behavior. Usually, they would see him when he walked to the showers. He held nothing but a glare and a dead stare back then, his intimidating aura causing a 10 foot distance from others around him. But now, an emotion can be seen in Taeyong's eyes, and they all know who the cause of this is.

Doyoung appeared at the doorway of his office with a smile.

"Hello, Ten, Taeyong." Doyoung said, nodding to Taeyong, who was still looking down behind Ten.

Ten greeted Doyoung back, about to walk into the office before Doyoung's hand stopped him.

"Sorry, Ten but I can't have you in there during the exam." He said apologetically.

"What? Why?" Ten asked, surprised.

"There needs to be no form of distraction that could take away the real result of Taeyong's mental position. If you're in there, it might be easier for him to answer the questions, and it'll deter my knowledge of his progress. I can't have him passing cause you were there, then have him coming back after he hurts someone cause you're weren't. I'm sorry, but you really need to stay here."

Ten sighed dejectedly.

Taeyong felt panic fill him at the idea of going through it alone.

What if I fail? What will his reaction be when I have to walk out and tell him? Taeyong thought.

His ears started ringing, and his palms were sweating. He felt the same feeling he had earlier in the morning, but this time, he didn't know how to calm himself. This time felt worse. His vision was tunneling, and it felt like this time, he had no ability to breathe at all.

He was so far lost, he couldn't hear the quiet but harsh whispers, the soft click of the door, or the rapid footsteps coming his way.

Suddenly, a sudden warmth was laid upon his cheek, causing Taeyong to flinch and look up at the owner. He saw Ten, after his vision focused again, and faintly heard him speaking. He noticed. Of course he would.

Slowly but surely, Taeyong's hearing was gaining its normalcy again, and he could make out the words Ten was saying.

"Taeyong, hey, breathe okay? I need you to breathe for me." Ten said rapidly. The panic in his voice was subtle, but could be heard with closer listening. Unbeknownst to Taeyong, his face was a cherry red due to the blood rushing to his face.

Taeyong felt like he could pass out, trying to get his breath back but it didn't work. He looked down to attempt to breathe again, but when he failed, his eyes shot back up to Ten. His eyes held panic.

Ten seemed to notice this, and as Taeyong was rapidly looking around everywhere, as if the solution was floating somewhere in the room, he spoke again.

"Hey, hey, hey, Taeyong, look at me." Ten spoke with fast speed that held a certain firmness. He put his other hand on Taeyong's cheek as well and turned his head to face him, slightly shaking it with every word.

Taeyong finally looked at Ten, and the other quickly grabbed his hands, holding him up to the sides of them and interlocking their fingers. Taeyong glanced at them for a moment before looking at Ten again.

"Remember what I told you to do with the stress cherry? We're gonna do that right now. Squeeze my hands okay?" At this point, the panic in Ten's voice was obvious and clear.

Ten started breathing deeply, squeezing Taeyong's hands on the inhale and letting go on the exhale. Taeyong attempted to do the same but shook his head when no air filled his starved lungs.

"No, look at me, it's okay, try again." Ten showed Taeyong again.

Taeyong stared at Ten, never moving his eyes away for a second. He slowly squeezed Ten's hands, and found air finally entering his lungs again. He hyperventilated and clung onto Ten's hands.

"There you go, breathe." Ten said with relief. He sighed and hung his head low, breathing deeply himself.

They stood there for a moment, with Taeyong slowly starting to breathe more normally again, and Ten waiting patiently for him. Their hands remained intertwined, in case Taeyong needed to squeeze them.

Taeyong let out one final exhale, signifying to Ten that he is okay.

Ten nodded then spoke, "Are you ready?" he asked with a small, encouraging smile.

Taeyong stared for a moment, about to say yes, before he remembered something.

Ten won't be there with me.

Taeyong quickly shook his head in response, causing Ten to frown.

"What's wrong?"

Taeyong looked down, before pulling harshly on their still intertwined fingers, causing Ten to fall onto Taeyong with a small yelp. He just needed to hold the other, just for a moment.

The patient's arms immediately followed their paved path, and went around Ten's waist. Ten's arms did the same but around the other's neck after a brief moment of confusion.

He nuzzled his face into the crook of the smaller's neck, breathing deeply. After a moment, however, he raised his lips to Ten's ear to whisper quietly.

"You won't be there with me." He could help the sliver of fear that slipped through his tone, and he knew Ten would hear it.

Ten's left arm unwinded itself from Taeyong's neck and he placed his hand on the other's chest.

"It's gonna be okay, Taeyong. I'll be waiting outside the entire time for you. I promise I won't step foot out of this hall, unless I need to pee." Ten joked at the end. Taeyong felt his lip quirk, and he gained a bit of confidence.

He pulled Ten closer to him and nestled his face back into its rightful place. I need you close to me.

The door to Doyoung's office opened, revealing the doctor himself. Taeyong had his back turned to the office, but he felt Ten's look up over Taeyong's shoulder and nod.

"You have to go now, okay?" Ten said, slowly coaxing Taeyong to pull away. Taeyong complied and walked to Doyoung, breathing deeply.

He turned around to look one last time at Ten, the other giving a thumbs up with an encouraging nod.

I need you.

****

Taeyong has had check-ups before. These were normal, simple. They mostly just consisted of the usual check-ups, like checking their health and mental state.

Taeyong has sat in this chair before, but this time, it's different, much different.

This time, there is an exam, an exam that determines whether all his and Ten's work has paid off.

He bounces his leg and doesn't say a word as he waits for Doyoung to take a seat at his desk across from him.

"Okay, Taeyong. How are we feeling today?" Doyoung said, as he sat down with a smile.

Taeyong nodded as a response.

Doyoung expected this answer, as Taeyong was never the vocally responsive type.

"So, I'm just gonna do a quick check-up, before we start your exam."

Taeyong nodded again.

"Okay, please stand up for me." Doyoung said, standing up himself. Taeyong complied.

The check-up went smoothly, Taeyong was completely healthy physically, although for his height, he was in a low percentile but this was expected considering he never gets exercise. Taeyong was calm due to this.

However, when Doyoung had them sit down again, and when he announced they were going to do the exam, Taeyong grew anxious.

"Alright, let's begin." Doyoung said. "Tell me about your family."

Taeyong took a deep breath, picturing that he wasn't in an office, and that he wasn't talking to Doyoung, but that he was in his room, talking to a certain someone.

"My father, Lee Sooman was the CEO of SM entertainment. My mother, Park Dae was the CEO of Everglow Enterprise, and my sister, Lee Sunmi is four years older than me."

"Who was your favorite family member?"

"My sister, Sunmi."

"Why?"

"She was always there for me when I would get-" Taeyong stopped suddenly.

"When you would get...?" Doyoung asked.

Taeyong lightly shook his head. "Hurt. When I would get hurt."

Doyoung looked for a moment, and Taeyong saw sympathy in his eyes.

Doyoung cleared his throat. "Tell me about your father."

Taeyong's father used to be the topic that set him off the most, but a certain someone helped lay that to rest. Now, Taeyong has come to peace with what happened to his father, so he had an easier time discussing him.

"My father was a very kind, caring, and loving man. He was a great father. But he was ambitious, so ambitious that he would never be home to be that great father." Taeyong said calmly.

Doyoung looked both surprised and pleased with Taeyong's confidence in his answers.

"Tell me about your mother."

Taeyong's breath hitched, though luckily it was too quiet for the other to hear. He intertwined his fingers, squeezing them gently to gain his composure.

"My mother..."

Doyoung nodded, giving Taeyong time to find his words.

"My mother was the perfect image on the outside, just like our family." Taeyong said, with the last word dripping in sarcasm.

"She was nice only when she wanted to be, but even then, it was fake and only for herself. She... wasn't a good mother." Taeyong glanced up at Doyoung, thankful that he didn't question exactly why.

"She was cruel, manipulative, and evil." Taeyong finished it there.

Doyoung smiled at Taeyong. He was pleased, proud, and happy for Taeyong.

"That's the end of that section."

Taeyong's mouth fell slightly open. I did it. The hardest part is over.

"Now we're just gonna do some simple ink blots. Pass this, and you pass." Doyoung said, looking at Taeyong with a hopeful glint in his eyes. Taeyong nodded, this time a little more lively.

He had already mastered ink blots with Ten, so this was going to be simple for him.

Doyoung shuffled through some papers, before finding the one he wanted. He held up the ink blot.

It was a green ink blot, it felt familiar. Taeyong felt a strong feeling of nostalgia surge through him.

"I see a tree."

"Show me." Doyoung said. Taeyong scooted forward and pointed out a clear tree. Doyoung nodded. "Correct."

Doyoung pulled out the next one. It was a purple one. Taeyong realized it was the same set from his and Ten's first ever session.

"I see a butterfly." Taeyong said, this time taking the initiative himself to point it out. Doyoung nodded. "Correct again."

This went on for the rest of the set. Taeyong pointed out the same answers, this time getting the same answers, but actually pointing them out.

Then, the last ink blot came. It was the red one.

Doyoung held it up, waiting for Taeyong to say his answer, his face morphed into one of comical surprise when he looked at Taeyong.

Taeyong was simply staring at the ink blot, with a bright smile on his face.

"A cherry. I see a cherry." He said, this time tracing one, clear image of a cherry.

Doyoung stared at Taeyong for a moment, taking in the smile he had never seen before. He had a pretty good guess as to who made him smile. The smile was so bright, that Doyoung found himself smiling as well.

"That is correct. Congratulations, Taeyong, you passed. Starting today, you will have the clearance to go outside to a certain amount of time, depending on the day. Your therapist will help you." Doyoung said, hinting at something with the last sentence he spoke. Taeyong was too lost in his own thoughts to even notice.

Doyoung stood up, leading Taeyong to the door. He smiled one last time before shutting the door behind him.

As Taeyong stepped out, his eyes were immediately searching for a certain person. He stepped into the middle of the hall, not bothering about the people passing through. His eyes darted left and right, but he still couldn't see him.

"Taeyong!"

Taeyong turned to the source of the noise, seeing Ten rushing towards him. He saw that he was coming out of the bathroom.

It was like Ten already knew that Taeyong passed, smiling brightly with a proud skip to his feet.

In the last few meters of distance between the two, Ten broke out into a jog, launching himself into Taeyong's arms.

"What'd you get? Did you pass?" Ten asked, as if his attitude didn't say that he already knew the answer.

Taeyong buried his face into Ten's neck, allowing himself to smile the brightest smile he's ever made.

"I did." Taeyong whispered. "I passed."

Ten jumped up and down in Taeyong's hold, giggling in excitement and happiness like an innocent child. He calmed down a bit, tightening his own arms around Taeyong's neck, pulling him down a bit because of this.

"I knew you could do it." Ten whispered back.

Taeyong had never felt so proud, so happy with himself. He let himself fall into the moment, ignoring everyone around them.

I need you.

****

Ten and Taeyong had their normal session, just talking and listening to music. However, both of them could feel each other's restlessness and excitement. Ten couldn't wait to show Taeyong around, and Taeyong couldn't wait to let Ten show him around.

"This song, I think you'll like." Ten said. They were sitting on the bed, leaning against the wall. The two left no space in between them, but this had become normal.

Taeyong looked at the screen and scoffed. "You're still trying to prove this shit artist to me?"

"Yes, I am! I can't talk to you normally while knowing you don't like my artist!"

Taeyong shook his head while clicking his tongue. "Shitty artist, shitty music taste. Are you sure you don't need rehab?" He teased.

He smirked when Ten sat up to slap his arm, and smiled fondly when Ten sat back down, this time laying his head on his shoulder.

They sat in a comfortable silence until Ten looked at the clock and saw that it was break time. He shot up in excitement with a wide grin.

"Free time."

Taeyong's heart did a backflip.

****

Everyone couldn't resist from turning their heads and smiling at the two people running around the halls like lunatics, especially since it was Ten and Taeyong, and especially, especially, because Taeyong had the brightest, shit-eating grin on his face.

Even the most stone cold doctor of the hospital, Oh Sehun, had to steal a glance. Fuck the no running policy.

Taeyong was laughing as Ten pulled him eagerly along the halls, shouting a, 'come on!' every now and then.

It didn't register for him that he was about to go outside, somewhere outside the same hallway and room, until Ten took him to the main room.

It was large, no, giant in Taeyong's eyes. There were a few other patients talking, eating, laughing. They were people who Taeyong never met before, due to his prior circumstances.

"Wow." Ten said, breaking Taeyong from his reverie. The two now stood in front of the crowd, hands still linked. "I'm surprised there aren't many people, usually this place is packed. I think you got lucky with the section you got."

Taeyong was surprised by this. There are more people than this? If he wasn't holding Ten's hand, he'd be at a loss of breath from anxiety, but the warmth sitting in his palm is like an oxygen tank for him.

The two started walking again--well, Ten started walking, with Taeyong simply trailing behind.

Taeyong flinched when he heard a loud shout for Ten's name. His grip on the shorter's hand tightened.

"Ten!" A small, but loud boy yelled, running towards them.

Taeyong was on edge, not knowing who this person was running towards them. He felt the warmth in his hand squeeze his, and he turned to Ten, who was smiling at the person coming to them. He couldn't pull his eyes away from him.

How do you know? How can you tell what I'm feeling when even I can't?

"Hey, Yangyang. How have you been?" Taeyong heard Ten say. The boy smiled in response, never laying an eye on Taeyong.

The two conversed for a while, with Taeyong just standing there.

"And this is Taeyong." Ten suddenly introduced him with a smile.

Yangyang didn't seem to see Taeyong before, and grew terrified. His eyes were wide and he was stepping back. Taeyong was confused as to why he received that action.

Suddenly, it clicked.

They're afraid of me.

Taeyong couldn't do anything, his feet were frozen in place. He faintly registered the two talking, and looked up again when he heard Yangyang greet him.

"Hi, Taeyong, nice to meet you. I'm Yangyang." The boy said with a hesitant smile on his face.

Taeyong had never talked to another patient in the hospital. He had only ever talked to officials.

He stared at the brown haired boy, not knowing how to greet him. He ended up just staring.

Yangyang's fake smile turned into a cringe, then a real smile, as he watched Taeyong's sad attempts at a greeting.

"Anyways," Ten started, "I'm gonna go show this guy around."

Yangyang nodded with a smile. "Okay! Oh, definitely get him the lunch special, it's so good!"

"Will do, bye." Ten said with a laugh. He pulled Taeyong along, into a more secluded hall connected to the main room. Taeyong followed obediently, taking in all the new surroundings.

"That was Yangyang, he's been here for about a year. Drug and Alcohol use." Ten explained. Taeyong nodded.

"Come on, I wanna show you something." Ten said, picking up their pace through the hospital. The further they walked, the less people they saw, until they ended up at a completely secluded place at the back of the hospital.

It was a small hall, with a couple of rooms on the sides. They walked further, and Taeyong looked through the windows. He saw multiple classrooms and art studios, until they stopped at the very end of the hall, with a door on either side.

"I've been looking around the hospital for places you can go everyday, and I managed to find the perfect spot. No one ever comes here, for some reason." Ten said.

Taeyong felt himself being pulled away again, now facing the door on the left.

"Ready?" Ten asked, looking up at Taeyong.

Taeyong turned to Ten with confusion in his eyes. "For what?"

"For this." Ten said, as he opened the door in front of them. They walked out to find a large garden, with all kinds of flowers decorating the little haven.

Taeyong's eyes sparkled unknowingly. He couldn't remember the last time he felt the sun kiss his skin, or the aroma of the sweet wilderness filling his nostrils. He closed his eyes, taking a large inhale. He couldn't stop the smile on his face, or the warmth in his chest.

He opened his eyes, looking at Ten. He had almost forgotten he was there, and didn't see the other staring at him with fond eyes the entire time.

He smiled back, and took in the other's appearance. The sun took a liking to him, and his features were lit up perfectly. His crescent moon eyes were sparkling, and the sunlight made his smile a thousand times more blinding.

Taeyong thought he looked beautiful.

He found that he couldn't move on his own, until Ten finally looked away, unlinking their hands and running ahead onto the large grass area, up the hill.

"Come on!" Ten called with a laugh, but Taeyong couldn't move. It was like all the happiness and fondness was a thousand pound weight, causing him to be immobile. He watched Ten reach the top of the hill, turning around with a smile.

Taeyong felt his breath hitch.

The sun was cast on the other's back, creating the perfect painting. The colors from the flowers around them burst into Taeyong's eyes, and the light breeze pushing Ten's raven hair forward was the final finish to the artwork.

His eyes crinkled with a smile that was as bright as the sun above him. He advanced towards Ten, his first slow walking steps soon breaking into a full on run up the hill.

When he reached the top of the hill, he scooped Ten up in his arms and twirled them around. He didn't know why he felt the need to do this, but it felt right, and it felt even better hearing the other giggling loudly in his arms.

He set Ten down after a moment, Ten looked at him and Taeyong looked back. They both wore fond smiles for each other, and the only noise that could be heard was their slightly laboured breaths. None of them moved, even after Ten spoke.

"Do you like it?"

Taeyong tenderly sighed. He slowly stepped even closer, so that there was no space between them. He reached down, slowly intertwining his fingers with Ten's, never taking his eyes off the other. Feeling Ten's hands naturally responding to his own, he lifted them so that they were hovering on their sides, similar to when Ten was helping Taeyong with his breathing earlier.

The patient lightly squeezed the therapists hands, leaning forward to place a soft kiss on the other's forehead.

They stood like this, with Taeyong's lips pressed in their place. Both of their eyes were closed, and smiles adorned their faces. Ten's cheeks held a faint blush as he looked down shyly.

"I love it." Taeyong said against Ten's skin. He unlinked their hands and moved his own to the other's waist, and, like it's been engraved in their brains, Ten's arms found their homely spot around Taeyong's neck.

They stared at each other for a moment. There seemed to be a force between them, like two magnets were attracting them to one another.

So they let themselves be pulled. They let themselves fall into the comfortable warmth of the sun, the soft blades of grass, and the rhythmic beating of their hearts. One spoke of gratitude, the other of fondness.

Their foreheads naturally connected, and Taeyong felt himself pulling the other closer.

I need you.

He felt Ten's arms tighten around him.

Ten pulled back and looked into Taeyong's eyes. Taeyong noticed a glint of something in Ten's eyes, like he had found something in his own orbs.

"C'mon." Ten said softly, softer than the light buzz of the cicadas around them, or the song tunes of the singing birds. He said it like it was something sacred, like it was only meant for him. Taeyong liked the feeling.

Ten pulled away, linking their hands again and guiding Taeyong back down the hill. This time, they went slower, as they both felt that the new mood they had created called for a leisurely pace.

Ten nearly slipped a couple times going down the hill, laughing and thanking Taeyong every time he caught the other.

Taeyong felt a warmth in his chest every time he was thanked. This warmth wasn't the heat of the sun, no, it was something else. I want to catch you when you fall, like you lifted me up when I had already hit the ground.

They had eventually ended up at the other end of the hallway, the other door standing in front of them.

"You can do the honors." Ten said, smiling. Taeyong was sure the sun had followed them into the building, because he was blinded by Ten's grin.

Taeyong snorted playfully. "Is this your master plan to kill me?"

Ten laughed. "No, not today. And, trust me, I'd give way more pizzazz if that were the case."

Taeyong smiled, and turned the knob of the door. As the door creaked open, Taeyong never peeked around it. He wanted to savor the moment, opening a new door with Ten following behind him. He felt that if he peeked through, he would ruin the feeling of surprise he wished to receive upon walking through a new, wooden door for the first time in years.

The first surprise that greeted him was the smell of paper and clean wood. It reminded him of his aunt's house, when he would bury his face into sheet music, and sit at the piano, bringing the notes to life.

That being said, Taeyong was shocked to see the object of his recurring memories sitting right in front of his very eyes. He recalled Ten asking him to play multiple songs, but he never thought he'd actually be able to play them for him. A strong sense of pride and excitement surged through him.

He was broken out of his thoughts when he felt Ten's chin hook over his shoulder. He turned to be greeted with the sight of the other's pale skin, cherry red lips, and his perfectly sloped nose. Taeyong felt his heart spike.

His heart ended up doing more than just spike, when Ten's face morphed into a full blown grin and he sang the tune of his cheerful laugh.

"I take it you like the surprise?" He mused.

Taeyong stared at Ten's lips, feeling his face mirror the other's smile. "What gives you that idea? I could hate it and you would never be able to tell."

Ten scoffed with fake offense. "Oh please, we both know I can read you well, even if you tried to hide your happiness. Besides, you would've walked through the door by now if not for the joy you must've felt."

Taeyong responded only with hum and a slight smile. He then took his time to admire Ten's features. His eyes glazed over the shorter's feline eyes, the wisps of hair falling over his forehead, and the cheeks, which looked more red than before.

He was broken out of his admiring daze when Ten cleared his throat and removed his chin from his shoulder.

"Aren't you gonna go in?"

Taeyong stared for a second in confusion before nodding and turning his head back to the room filled with music. He walked to the middle of the room and looked around in awe. There was a plethora of instruments, CD's, records, even a microphone, accompanied by the stand and speaker.

But his eyes were trained on the piano in front of him, turning away once to see Ten now standing next to him, only to look back to the keys again.

"If you just keep staring I'm going to start to think that you can't actually play." Ten spoke, breaking the silence. He put his hand on Taeyong's back, gently pushing him towards the piano.

Taeyong sat down at the bench, Ten joining him soon after.

There was a silence. It was so silent that their heartbeats could've been heard. No one moved, spoke, or played anything. Yet, the silence was so loud. So loud, but comfortable at the same time. The whole situation felt like a contradiction of itself. One was patiently waiting for the other to proceed, while the latter was waiting for the ability to be able to.

Taeyong inhaled deeply, slowly raising his hands till they were level with the keys. His fingers made contact with the white notes and slid up the smooth surfaces, careful not to play anything yet.

"How long has it been since you played?" Ten spoke so soft, it was almost a whisper.

Taeyong took a moment to count the amount of years.

"Nine years. It's been nine years."

Ten nodded in understanding. "Can you play me that song I asked you to play for me a long time ago?" He asked. His tone held a little bit of taunting, which drove Taeyong with confidence.

Taeyong nodded, taking a moment, before beginning to play.

The piece he played was melancholy in a joyful way, mixing together somehow to bring one the feeling of nostalgia.

Taeyong played through the song, and began to improvise it further, expanding it to savor the moment. He felt the weight of Ten's head rest on his shoulder, enticing his playing even more.

This went on for so long, that the sun had already put itself to rest, bringing out it's little friend called the moon. It was always interesting to Taeyong that time can move so slowly, that you almost want to rip your hair out, but it can also move so fast, to where you don't even remember its existence. However, the time didn't ever change its pace, you simply cared about it depending on what position you were in, or what you were doing.

Now, the two were exploring the room more. Ten was looking at the various instruments strewn across the walls, while Taeyong browsed through the records. Taeyong was relieved to know that Ten requested more time during their break, and was gladly given it by the nurses at the front desk.

He was deftly flipping through the records until one in particular caught his attention, his eyes looked around the large cover, the title, and the artist, feeling the odd need to play that one in particular.

He moved to the record player, setting the large disc down, and lifting up the stylus and moving it to the desired track. The crunchy static of the friction was heard, before the song began filling the room. (Play the song listed in the notes now!)

Taeyong turned around, meeting Ten's eyes from across the room.

"So, first you hate on my artist, then you play their song?" Ten asked playfully while closing the distance between them.

Taeyong shrugged with a smirk. "I guess I pity the guy." He responded, now walking towards the other as well.

Eventually, the distance between them was nearly non-existent, as the two stood in front of each other.

"Do you remember when we first shared music with each other?" Taeyong asked.

Ten nodded, his face showing a clear indication that he was reliving the memory.

"Well, I distinctly remember you saying that you would dance for me, but you never actually did, and I think it's only fair that you do since played for you." He said with a smirk.

Ten's pleased and calm face morphed into one of shock and betrayal. He sputtered. "W-well this isn't even the right song to dance to, this is a slow song." He defended.

Taeyong's playful smirk turned into a soft smile as he extended his hand for the other to take. He didn't know why he was doing any of this, it felt like his body was running in its own accord, and he had no control. But he didn't complain, because somehow, it all felt right.

Ten's sputtering ceased as he looked at the hand, then at Taeyong. He had an obvious look of surprise on his face, but took his hand nonetheless with a shy smile.

Taeyong looked at Ten as he pulled him in with almost heavy eyelids, his other hand coming to his waist. He pressed their linked hands against his heart. Ten slithered his leftover arm underneath Taeyong's underarm, pressing his hand against his shoulder blade.

They swayed with the music, their bodies pressed flush together. Their movements were so in sync, it looked rehearsed. Ten's head rested on Taeyong's shoulder, while the latter leaned his head towards him like it was being pulled to it like a magnet.

As the song began coming to an end, Ten lifted his head from Taeyong's shoulder, and Taeyong moved his head back up. The two now stared at each other, faces so close, their eyelashes were almost touching. Their eyes were alternating between their lips and each other's colored orbs.

Taeyong felt his heartbeat quickening, and he was so sure he could feel Ten's doing the same.

He felt the urge to lean in, and he felt the same feeling coming from Ten. However, he didn't notice they were both already doing this until he felt the other's lips brush against his own, their noses now pressing into each other's cheeks.

He could feel Ten's breath mingling with his own, both of theirs shaking slightly.

Finally, Ten quickly closed the distance, causing Taeyong to gasp. It took a moment for either of them to move, Ten being the one to initiate it.

Taeyong's body felt like it was being thrown into a microwave, feeling it quickly heat up. When he felt Ten's lips move against his own, he felt that if he had any control over his body before, he sure didn't have any now.

He unlinked their hands, gripping Ten's waist and pulling him impossibly closer, their bodies now left with no space in between them. He felt one of Ten's arms slither around his neck, attempting to lessen the space even further. He felt the other hand hold his cheek, the thumb gently stroking his skin.

Taeyong brushed his tongue across Ten's lower lip, asking for entrance, which Ten gladly gave. As soon as their tongues touched, Ten released a moan into Taeyong's mouth. Taeyong responded to this by pressing his mouth further against Ten's, causing the latter's back to arch.

Soon, as they slowly pulled apart, Taeyong felt like they just came from the sky, now slowly floating back down. Their foreheads remained pressed against each other, their faces still close.

"Maybe that artist isn't so bad after all." Taeyong joked, causing Ten to laugh and press another light kiss on Taeyong's lips.

Taeyong found his answer, his fairy tale. He didn't need to be told a story anymore, because he was living it.

You are my savior.

Ten.