A Parallax of Three: Part 3

A/N: I like big chapters and I cannot lie. Ahem, I'M SORRY this update has taken so long. Going forward, my update schedule will be every three weeks. Hopefully, this gives me enough time to get the chapter completed and allow me time to work on a special three-chapter story that will be published in May (if you're a Saeyoung fan, you won't want to miss it).

Ok there are several warnings for this chapter. 1. The first half of this chapter contains violence and non-consensual acts. Please be aware that the events may be troubling or triggering for some. 2. The second half of this chapter contains consensual, explicit sexual acts. As with all other chapters that contain this content, please use your own discretion.

Music:

First Half of Chapter:

Migraine - Twenty One Pilots
Don't Worry, We'll Be Watching You - Gotye
Control - Halsey

Second Half of Chapter:

Separate - Pvris
I Wanna Be Yours - Arctic Monkeys
The Approaching Night - Philip Wesley

**Please see additional notes at the end for a very important announcement**

Saeran paces the floor of the apartment, excitement and dread combining to keep him on edge. The prospect of having you all to himself for the next seven days fills him with nervous energy despite the pounding in his head. His body is exhausted from the rapid switch earlier, but he keeps moving, unwilling to give in to his body's need for rest. Possibilities race through his mind so fast he's unable to grasp onto a single idea for more than a moment. The one thing he can hold onto is the knowledge that he will finally be able to express how he feels about you with no constraints. His whole life he's had to hide his feelings, never able to express the anger, frustration and fear that have been his constant companions. This foreign feeling of love and affection that makes his chest ache and his body tingle is something that has been harder to keep locked away. But now, after years of adoring you from afar, he'll be able to tell, and show, you everything that's in his heart without looking over his shoulder for his brother's presence.

His eyes dart to the time displayed on the microwave, surprised to see that forty-five minutes have passed since he left you downstairs. In that time he's managed to take a quick shower and prepare a light snack of sliced apples and cheese just in case you're hungry. Anticipating your wants and needs is something that supplies him with immense joy, he only hopes that his eagerness to please you doesn't make you uncomfortable. It crosses his mind that perhaps his brother changed his mind about you staying. His heart sinks at the thought, his mind conjuring images of his twin telling you that being alone with Saeran is too dangerous after his furious display earlier. I've probably fucked everything up.

He hadn't meant to lose control the way he did. By the time he'd dropped you off that afternoon, he had convinced himself that you seeking comfort from another man didn't bother him. He understood your reasons for leaving and why he couldn't be the one to offer you sanctuary. Comprehending your actions was one thing, but as the day wore on the jealousy he thought so easy to control gripped him and wouldn't let go. The voice in his head didn't help matters. It bombarded him with jeers questioning his manhood and when that didn't work, it assaulted him with images of you in Zen's bed, sheets tangled around your naked limbs.

Even now, the one inside is plaguing him with his certainty that Saeyoung has taken you away. That he has realized allowing his wife to have anything to do with his deranged twin is the biggest mistake he can make. Saeran crouches in the middle of the floor, elbows on his knees and fingers grasping handfuls of his still damp hair. His body begins to move in a slow rock, pitiful whimpers escaping his throat. Please. The word echoes in his mind, a silent plea for you to save him from himself.

As unfair as that expectation is, he believes you are the only one capable of ending this rapid stream of self doubt. In your presence he feels whole, like the last missing piece of him is finally in place. The peace he finds being with you is like nothing he's ever experienced before. With you, he is strong enough to chase away the shadows that whisper he is no good; that he is not worthy to love and be loved. In you, he's found salvation.

An insane giggle begins to sound in his head, growing steadily louder. Saeran slaps his hands over his ears, though he knows it's useless to do so. She doesn't love you, the voice taunts through the laughter. Do you really think she could ever care about someone like you? She needs someone who can protect her, someone who can give her what she wants. You're too pathetic for anyone to love.

"Stop," Saeran utters aloud, straightening. He grabs his phone off the counter and types out a quick text to his brother. If Saeyoung said you could stay the week, then you would stay. His brother doesn't lie to him and he feels a certain amount of guilt for doubting him for even a second. When his twin answers immediately, he braces himself on the counter, relief making his limbs weak. Thank God, she's staying.

His eyes scan the small space, making sure nothing is out of place except the neatly folded pile of clothes he's set out for you. A slight grin curves his lips at the memory of the last time you wore his clothing. It was the night you both confessed your feelings and finally, after so many fantasies, he kissed you, immediately knowing the reality of your soft lips pressed against his was a million times sweeter than anything he'd ever dreamed.

The soft click of the front door closing pulls him from his thoughts and draws his attention to you. You remain at the entrance, your back pressed against the solid surface behind you, with one hand wrapped around the doorknob. "Hi," you finally greet him, your voice soft and timid.

She's scared of me. The thought pierces through his heart, the sharp pain it causes making him draw in a quick breath. Oh god, please don't be scared of me.

"How long has he been back?" you inquire, still not moving away from the door.

Saeran doesn't pretend to misunderstand; there's no point. Unlike other times, he'd seen everything that happened through Unknown's eyes. To his shame, he'd done more than just watch events unfold; he'd allowed the violent actions against the tall thespian to happen. The enormous amount of anger and jealousy he felt towards the older man was too great to suppress. It matched and combined with the one struggling to gain control until Saeran hadn't known where he ended and the other began. No matter how great his own rage, it could never compare to Unknown's.

His eyes slide away from your probing gaze, darting around the room in search of something to land on. "As far as I know, only today," he finally answers, drawing upon everything within him to prevent himself from avoiding your question. He forces himself to lift his eyes back to yours, hoping you can see the honesty in them. "This is the first time in at least a year that I've heard a peep from him. I...I thought he was gone but he must have been hiding."

"Oh, Saeran," you sigh, pushing away from the door to take a step forward. You pause, biting your lip as you study him. "About what happened earlier…"

"I found you some clothes to change into," he says quickly, gesturing to the shorts and t-shirt on display. "I thought maybe you'd want to shower since you left in such a hurry this morning. I mean, unless you showered...after."

"No!" you exclaim, holding a hand out in denial. Your arm makes a slow descent back to your side and you give him a gentle smile. "A shower would be heaven right now. I probably reek of beer and dirt."

"It also appears to have done a number on your hair, I don't think I've ever seen it so out of place."

A hand raises to your head, your face heating when you realize the mess Saeyoung's fists made to your long tresses. "Oh...no. This is from…" Saeran studies your red face as you clear your throat, likely trying to come up with some plausible excuse. Heaving a sigh, you lock your gaze to his. "Saeyoung did this. He...we...got a little carried away during our goodbye."

Of course. He knew his brother wouldn't leave you for a week without a proper goodbye that consisted more of physical affection than words. He expected it to happen. What he didn't expect is this stab of jealousy and irritation your kiss swollen lips and flushed complexion inflict him with. He can feel his other self pushing against his consciousness, trying to exert his desire to punish you. Saeran pushes back against the anger attempting to take over, his hands forming into fists at his sides.

His doctor warned him this may happen; that the manifestation of anger his mind created long ago might one day return. Even so, he believed the happiness he's found would be enough to banish that cold, cruel facet of himself. The temptation to ingest the medication that will surely quiet the voice in his head is almost too great, but he resists. If he gives in, the voice will stop, but his already exhausted body will succumb to the urge to curl up and escape into dreams. Missing even a moment of this week with you is unacceptable. Somehow, he must find a way to control this inner demon that is so insistent on destroying whatever joy he's worked so hard to achieve.

Without realizing he's moved, Saeran finds himself pressing you against the hard surface of the door, his face buried in the wavy locks he adores. Instead of the light, fruity smell of your shampoo that he's expecting, all he can smell is his brother's musk. The fiery ball of anger in his chest expands tenfold, the possibility of it bursting into an untamable inferno becoming eminent. You're supposed to be mine tonight.

His fingers lift a section of your hair, letting it slip through his fingers like silk. "So you guys were just talking? Other than the farewell kiss, I mean."

You nod your head, your body tensing with the change you can see coming over him. She's lying! The angry, high-pitched voice in his head insists. While you were up here preparing everything for her stay like a good little puppy, she was downstairs being held against a wall so that redhead could push inside her. "Just what kind of farewell kiss did the two of you share?"

Your brows twitch down in confusion. While the person talking to you is most definitely your husband, his attitude and suspicions are completely uncharacteristic. "What's with the third degree, Saeran?"

The manic giggle returns to reverate through his mind, clouding his own thoughts. I told you. Not even an hour into your "honeymoon" and she's letting him defile her wherever he wants. "Were you fucking Saeyoung?" he spits out bitterly, the voice in head encouraging his rage and cheering him on. It steadily grows louder, shouting violently until it gains the control it so desperately seeks. Punish her! Show her what a real man is! Make her realize you aren't one to be fucked with!

He places both hands on the hard surface of the front door beside your head. Leaning down, he peers menacingly into your eyes, his voice barely more than a whisper. "Do you have any idea how long I've waited for you?" He pauses to let you answer, but all you can do his shake your head no. "Five years, MC. Five miserable, lonely years. First admiring you from afar, knowing there was no way you'd ever look in my direction. Then I led you to Rika's apartment because I thought maybe...just maybe I would be able to get to know you. But no, the savior made sure I stayed far away, always giving me chores or assignments that must be done immediately if I didn't wish to be reprogrammed into the church. So you ended up withthat idiot redhead; that idiot I hate to call my twin brother!" The laughter that emits from his throat is anything but humorous and anything but Saeran's. Stop this! She doesn't deserve your venom. She's never done anything to hurt you. All she's ever tried to do is help us.

Saeran shakes his head, his hands trembling violently when he forces himself to gain some distance between you. The fear in your eyes is almost too much for him to take. He knows he should tell you to leave; to turn around and run the short distance home to inform his brother that something has gone terribly wrong. But he can't. Losing you, when he finally, finally has you is not an option. We can make this work.

Speak for yourself, pussy.

Saeran takes a step away from you, letting your hair fall completely from his fingertips. This isn't right. The horrified look on your face is reason enough to make him feel like a complete asshole. Never has he spoken to you in the tone of voice that seems to have invoked fear within you. Not even in the hospital had you ever gazed at him the way you currently do.

Taking a few more steps away, he picks up the tidy bundle of clothes he's lain out for you. He holds them out, making sure to stay arm's length away from you. "I'm sorry," he utters with shame, his eyes growing hot. "Whatever happens between you and my brother is none of my business. I should have never even asked the question. I'm not...entirely me, right now. I'm so sorry, MC. Please...don't go. I-I...I'll do whatever I can to make this better."

You stare at him for a moment before pushing away from the door. Slowly you make your way to him until your bodies touch. You ignore his offering and cup his face in your hands. Standing on your toes, you pull his face to yours and press your lips to his. The clothing in his hands falls to the floor as he embraces you, his arms encircling your waist to lift you tighter against him. She's not upset with me? Tears seep from his closed eyes to trail to your sealed lips, the taste of salt invading your mouths. When you pull away, the color of your orbs appear a blur.

"Stay with me, Saeran," you whisper. "I'll do whatever I can to help you through this but you have to push back against him. Don't let him win. Whatever he's telling you are lies. I love you. I'm not going anywhere."

"What were you doing with my brother?" He hates himself for asking the question, but can't seem to stop the words from coming.

You're silent for a moment, your fingers playing with the hair at his nape. "We were saying goodbye. I'm sorry, Saeran, but that's all I can tell you." A smile spreads across your lips and you give him a quick kiss. "But now I'm all yours for the entire week. Do with me what you will."

Saeran pushes down the jealousy your words conjure and chuckles, his arms tightening around you. "So many options; where do I even begin?"

You bring his head down to yours, your lips grazing his. "This seems like a good place to start," you breathe before pulling his lower lip into your mouth and sucking.

His hand cups the back of your head as he angles his mouth over yours, his tongue seeking and twirling with yours. Mine. There's only room in his head for the one thought. She's mine...finally...mine. His heart rate increases as his other hand moves down your back, his fingers splaying just above the waistband of your skirt. Holding you close to him, he rocks his hips against you, his quickly hardening member obvious even through the layers of clothing separating you.

"Why don't you join me in the shower?" you ask when you part, your chest heaving.

No, she'll see the tattoo and the scars and everything will be ruined. Instead he forces a grin and caresses your cheek. "I just got out right before you arrived."

"You can never be too clean," you pout, running a finger down the middle of his chest. "Please?"

Saeran grabs your wandering finger and kisses its tip. "Why don't I finish preparing something to eat instead? You like gimbap?"

Your stomach rumbles loudly and you both laugh. You reach up and massage his temples, a look of worry crossing your features. "How's your head?"

"Better," he lies, giving you a reassuring smile. Clasping your hands he places a kiss on one, then the other. "Go shower. There's a brand new toothbrush in the medicine cabinet."

"Aww, you bought me a toothbrush?" you tease, though he can tell by the pink flush on your cheeks that you're pleased.

He shrugs. "Well, we are married now so I figured you'd need one here eventually."

"I love you," you murmur, pulling him down once more for a sweet kiss. He watches as you scoop up the bundle of clothes from the floor and drift toward the bathroom. His stare drops to the gentle sway of your hips as you walk, admiring the way your short skirt swings around your thighs as you move. When you reach your goal, you turn and catch him studying you. Your mouth quirks and you blow him a kiss before closing the door.

Saeran moves towards the kitchen to prepare the promised food. He pops one of the apple slices he'd prepared earlier into his mouth as he gathers the ingredients needed to prepare the quick meal. He's just cracked the eggs needed into a waiting bowl when he hears your phone vibrate.

At first he ignores the buzzing, wishing to respect your privacy. But when it vibrates several more times, his curiosity gets the best of him. There's no doubt who the texts are from and Saeran can't help but wonder what his brother needs to say so soon after leaving you. He picks up your phone from the small table behind the couch and swipes his thumb over the first notification that appears to be a photo.

Saeran's hands tremble when he sees the lewd picture his brother has sent. His face heats with embarrassment and anger, each building to a boiling point in him as he peers at the captured scene, unable to look away. The image is of his brother grasping his erect penis, obviously having just masturbated. Copious amounts of semen cover his hand and lower abdomen. Just beside him on the bed are a pair of familiar lavender panties.

Saeyoung:

8:05pm: All for you, as promised

8:05pm: Is a week too long to keep these panties without washing them? lol

8:06pm: I wish you were here, I'm already lost without you

8:06pm: I love you, beautiful. You are my world. Don't forget that. xxx

Unknown glares down at the text staring back at him. I fucking knew it. We were waiting up here and the whole time she was letting him fuck her on our time! He takes up position on the arm of the sofa that faces the bathroom door. Crossing his arms and ankles, he waits patiently for you to emerge, your device gripped tightly in one hand.

"You're a naughty girl, aren't you, Princess?" he asks with a wicked grin as soon as you appear.

You are slow to close the door behind you, your eyes searching the gleaming madness of his. "Where's Saeran?" you finally ask with more curiosity than fear.

"Oh, Cherry Boy couldn't handle seeing the picture of the cock that Redhead just sent you." He holds up the smartphone and tilts it back and forth, taunting you, your husband's naked form on full display.

You close the distance between you and snatch it from his hands. Unexpectedly, Unknown too reaches out and snakes an arm around your waist, pulling you flush against him. "You're quite the whore, aren't you?" he whispers, his mouth next to your ear. "Banging one man wasn't good enough for you, you needed the little brother too."

"Let me go," you bite out, struggling against his grip. Both arms are now wrapped around you, his embrace so tight you can barely move.

His mouth moves away from your ear and places small, hot kisses along your jaw. "You've already proven you're not very faithful, so why not give me a go? I bet I can make you come harder than you ever have before." His mouth covers yours, his tongue invading it with as much force as you would expect from him. Unable to push him away, you wait for his tongue to retreat before biting down hard. A sharp sting like that of a bee radiates through his bottom lip and he pushes you away in a fury.

"Bitch," he mutters, gingerly touching the now swollen wound on his lip. His finger comes away red and his mood shifts swiftly into a maniacal giggle. "You're feisty...I like that." His attack is as fast as a snake's strike. He shoves you into the wall behind you, your head bouncing on the hard surface as he pins your hands above your head. He leans over to whisper in your ear once again. "So, you like to play rough, Princess?" He releases a laugh that sounds more sinister than humorous, then continues to speak, his words tickling your ear. "I can do things to your body you've only dreamed about," his fingers tighten on your wrists, his body pressing you painfully into the wall. "I can teach you how to find the pleasure in pain." You shiver and he giggles before running his tongue up the side of your face. "You'd like that wouldn't you? I bet you would sound...exquisite. God, I can hear you now, screaming in agony even as you beg for more."

Unknown grinds his pelvis against yours, his cock already half hard with the thoughts running through his head of what he could do to you. Visions of you tied spread eagle and blindfolded flash through his mind and he bites his lip, a groan escaping him. He's not bluffing. He's more than capable to taking you to that thin line between ecstasy and anguish. It wouldn't be the first time he's introduced a woman to the bliss that suffering could provide. Right now he'd give anything to be your teacher.

He shifts your wrists to one large hand, the now free one roaming down your body in a slow exploration. Pausing at your chest, he cups the fullness of your breast and administers a harsh squeeze. You suck in a hiss of pain and he grins as his mouth attaches to the sensitive curve where your neck and shoulder meet. He bites down hard and your back arches in an attempt to disengage yourself from his embrace.

"I see why he chose you," he murmurs against your skin, his hand continuing its journey down your body. "You really are beautiful, and I would hazard a guess that you're a great fuck." Another manic giggle emits from his chest. "How pissed do you think Cherry Boy would be if I fucked you before he got the chance? Should we find out?".

A single tear trails down your cheek as his eyes lift to lock with yours. "Let me go," you repeat, though all the venom has drained from you. You no longer resist him, his body pressed so tightly against yours there is no room to maneuver.

"Are you frightened, Princess?" he mocks.

More tears fall free with the shake of your head."You don't scare me."

"Liar," he whispers, his thumb roughly swiping the wetness from your cheek.

"If you wanted to hurt me, you would have done it a long time ago," you answer, your gaze full of pity. Your eyes search his, looking for a sign of the man you love. "Saeran? Please."

"That pitiful excuse for a man is gone," Unknown hisses in fury. "It's just you and me from now on, Princess, and underestimating me is a grave error in judgement." His mouth crashes back to yours, the blood oozing from the wound you inflicted smearing across your lips. The taste of copper spreads across his tongue as he pushes it into your mouth, his hand gripping your face to keep your jaw from snapping shut. You're not going to bite me again. You struggle against him, grunting with the effort to push him away when suddenly you are free. He backs away from you so fast you slide down the wall until your bottom hits the hardwood floor.

Saeran stares down at you in horror. "What?" he mutters, obviously disoriented. You flex your jaw and wince in pain, tears of relief slipping from your closed eyes. He crouches in front of you, a trembling hand hovering next to your cheek. You flinch and the fierce urge to pull you into his arms, to comfort you, increases. His hand covers his mouth instead of touching you, however, and he watches as you wipe the back of your hand across your mouth to erase the blood that paints your lips. Glancing down at his fingers, he sees the red substance that's come off of his own mouth, his heart pounding in fear. "What the fuck happened?"

His eyes drop to the bite mark on your neck and his eyes widen. "Are those fucking teeth marks?" His voice rises with his anger and he stands to cross the room, putting much needed distance between you. There's no guarantee that the anger at himself won't trigger that part of him to return, and he can't risk being near you if it does.

"I-I...oh god…" His fingers plunge into his hair and pull, the pain in his head and scalp causing him to wince.

"Saeran, it's ok," you console, scrambling to your feet to cross the room to offer him support.

"The hell it is!" His distressed shout echoes off the walls of the small apartment, his face wet with the tears that suddenly spring from his eyes. "This is so far from ok that it's in its own stratosphere! Why? Why now, when I'm finally happy?" He breaks down into silent sobs, his head falling into his hands to hide his weakness from you.

You approach him slowly and wrap your arms around his waist, resting your cheek against his back. "What can I do to help?" you ask, your voice soft and soothing.

"There's nothing," Saeran answers helplessly. "For so long I allowed him control. It was easier to get through the days at Mint Eye if I didn't realize what was happening. He took on the burden of the torture each time I had to be "reprogrammed" and I was thankful to him." He falls into an uneasy silence, working hard to gather his scattered thoughts. His eyes close at the feel of your face nuzzling his back, much in the same way a cat might show affection to its owner. The thought almost makes him smile; almost, and the affirmation in it makes his scattered thoughts easier to gather. "But now...he has it in his head that he wants you and there's nothing I can do to stop him. As soon as I realized what the picture was that Saeyoung sent you, he took over and I didn't even realize I was gone."

You place a kiss on his spine, your embrace becoming firmer. "I'm sorry you saw that. I knew he'd be sending it, but I...well, I forgot."

He shakes his head. "It was my fault. I should have respected your privacy. I...all this jealousy I thought I was above is out of control. I can't seem to reign it in and it's just fueling his anger." Saeran pauses. I need to think more of her sake.Gently pulling away from your embrace, he heads to the bathroom with you trailing close behind. "I do have some measure of control, though I was trying to avoid it."

Opening the medicine cabinet, he pulls out an almost full bottle of prescription pills. He holds them up for your perusal before giving you an explanation. "Antipsychotics; they will essentially put him to sleep, but the downside is they also knock me out. I didn't want our first night to be ruined by passing out, but I don't see another option at his point. I can't take the chance of him hurting you again tonight."

Entering the compact space, you squeeze between him and the counter and hop up onto the surface. Taking the bottle from his hand, you read the instructions then shake one pill into the palm of your hand. Lifting your gaze, your eyes lock with his and you smile in reassurance. "We have the rest of our lives together, Saeran. If this is going to help reassure you that I'm safe, then spending our first night together only sleeping is exactly what I want to do. I love you." You pull his head down to yours and run your tongue over the swollen wound you inflicted. Sliding it into his mouth, you it rub against his with all the tenderness you feel for him. When you part, you place the pill between his lips and fill the cup that rests beside the sink with water. He accepts the offered drink and downs the medication. Taking his hand, you lead him to the bedroom where you curl yourselves around one another on the queen size bed.

Saeran rests his head on your chest, the soft rhythm of your heartbeat soothing his frazzled nerves. His arms hold you tight around your small waist, marveling at how such a tiny person could be filled with so much bravery. The way you'd shied away from his touch feels like a heavy weight on his chest. He can't blame you; can't even imagine the terror you must have felt. He may not be able to remember the events that took place, but witnessing the aftermath tells him everything he needs to know. To be laying here now, stroking his hair, so soon after your ordeal is unfathomable to him.

The trust you put in him encourages him to do his very best at everything for you. I can do anything with her by my side. Don't leave me, MC; stay with me, love me, allow me to love you. Drowsiness finally overtakes him and he relaxes against you, his eyes closing as thoughts of his love for you continue to repeat inside his head.

The first thing he sees when he awakens is your form propped against the headboard, a novel open on your lap. He studies your face as you read, taking note of the way your thumb and forefinger idly tug at your earlobe and the cute way you bite the corner of your mouth as your eyes devour the words on the page. A sudden smile graces your lips at something you've read, and Saeran can't help answering it with one of his own. She still hasn't noticed I'm awake. You giggle, then slap a hand over your mouth, your head turning to see if you've disturbed your husband's slumber. Your gazes lock and he reaches out to caress your cheek, thankful you don't shy away from his touch.

"Hi," he finally says, his voice soft in the silent room.

"Hey, sleepyhead," you answer, closing your book and setting it on the nightstand. You slide down to stretch out beside him, entwining your fingers with his and giving them a squeeze.

"How long have I been out?" he asks over a yawn, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"About four hours," you inform him, smiling at his reaction when he groans. "I finished preparing the gimbap then went out and got some ice cream because, amazingly, you were out. I couldn't decide what flavor to get so I bought," you pause, squinting one eye in thought, "chocolate, strawberry, coffee, mint chocolate chip, and cookies and cream. I figured that should last you at least a couple of days."

"Better watch it or you'll spoil me," Saeran murmurs, leaning over to brush his lips against yours.

"I plan to spoil the hell out of you, so you might as well get used to it, Mr. Choi," you whisper against him, your fingers tracing his jaw. "Are you feeling better?"

He doesn't answer right away, taking the time to search within for the uncontrollable anger that's been present the entirety of the day. When he senses nothing but a peaceful contentment he smiles. "He's gone; or at least he's finally shut up."

"So the meds helped?"

Saeran hums in confirmation though his brows twitch down in a slight frown. "I hate that I've missed so much time with you, though. That was four hours we could have been…" his words falter, his face growing pink at the direction his thoughts take him.

"...making love?" you finish with a grin. You scoot closer to him and throw a leg over his. "There are so many things I want to do with you this week, but we don't have to rush anything. The end of this week isn't the end of us, after all; we have the rest of our lives to discover one another."

With no prompting, the image his brother sent you abruptly pops into his head and he clears his throat awkwardly. "Can I ask you a personal question?"

"Sure, I have nothing to hide from you." Your hand begins trailing up and down his slender hip and you place a small kiss on his chin.

"That picture...the one of Saeyoung…"

You freeze, your eyes darting up to meet his. "What about it?"

"Well...do you...I mean...is that something you do often?" He averts his gaze, the pink in his face deepening to a fiery red. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to," he releases, his words pouring out of him at a rapid-fire pace. Already he regrets asking; hates that his curiosity is so severe.

"I don't mind," you answer slowly. "I suppose it depends on your definition of often, but, yes, usually at least a few times a month."

"And h-he has pictures of you?"

You laugh but quickly reign in your amusement at the embarrassment on his face. "I'm sorry," you apologize, wrapping an arm around his waist. "I'm not laughing at you, I swear. To answer your question, Saeyoung has hundreds of pictures of me in various states of...undress."

Saeran brings his gaze back to yours, though the color remains painted across his face. "Do you...like him sending you pictures like that; and enjoy letting him take risque photos of you?"

You nod, your tongue darting out to lick your dry lips. When you speak, your voice is hesitant. "I would love to have pictures of you too, if that's something you'd be comfortable with. And of course, you can take ones of me too...if you want."

"Yes," his answer flies from his mouth before you've even finished your sentence and you both laugh. He runs a gentle hand over your hair, his heart racing. "You keep taking whatever I think I know about women and completely flipping it on its head. Not that I'm all that experienced in what women like."

"How much experience do you have?"

"Hmm, let me think," he continues to stroke your hair as he pretends to consider your question. "I'd say about...zero."

"You're kidding," you utter in disbelief.

Saeran shakes his head. "My time with Mint Eye was mainly spent in the security room, coding and hacking….doing pretty much whatever the Sav-...Rika commanded me to do. I didn't have time to socialize with the other initiates. When I was allowed to leave the grounds, I was so used to keeping to myself that I had no interest in interacting with anyone. The one you call Unknown, on the other hand, he...well, let's just say he has plenty of experience with women."

You blink at him, the sympathy on your face almost killing him. "So you never...felt what he was experiencing when he was with a woman?"

"God, no. If he found a woman he wanted, I would book it if I was unable to distract him. I wasn't interested in his particular brand of fun."

"Yeah, I have a good idea what gets him off," you murmur, giving a small shudder.

"I'm sorry he hurt you." Saeran grazes the bruise on your neck, his face full of regret and self-blame.

Shaking your head, you grin at him. "I'm fine; I promise it looks worse than it is. It didn't hurt as much as it...unnerved me."

He accepts the white lie for what it is; an attempt to ease his guilty conscious. While the enraged fragment of his psyche is uncontrollable and unpredictable, it was still hismouth that hurt you; his hands that violated and restrained you. He can still feel your jaw clenched in his fingers; the bruising grip of his hand around your delicate wrists when he pushed back to the front.

Shame presses on him to hide from your affectionate gaze, the feeling of being unworthy of the love in your eyes a physical pain in his chest. However, he resists and runs the backs of his fingers along your cheek, his devotion to you too strong to conceal. "Be careful around him," he warns in a low voice, desperate to stress how important his words are. "However depraved you think he is, he's much, much worse," he pauses, his eyes studying your face. He's the only thing I can't protect you from. "We have to tell Saeyoung," he blurts out, realizing it's the only way to keep you safe.

"What? No!" You sit up, and shove your hair behind your ears, your stare conveying nothing but panic. "If we tell Saeyoung, he's going to immediately demand that I come home and it won't matter how much I try to reason with him. Do you want him chaperoning our every move? Or even worse, insisting that we can't be together? He can't know what happened tonight, Saeran, he can't. Promise...swear to me that you won't tell him," your voice raises in volume, your fingers twisting the hem of your borrowed shirt in distress.

"And what happens next time you're alone with Unknown?" The sadness in his voice seems to break through your alarm, relaxing the tension in your shoulders. Saeran takes one of your hands in his and holds it against his heart. "Every time I switch, I'm afraid the me that I know is going to disappear. I thought I was better; I am better, but this is the first time he's ever resisted relinquishing control so vehemently."

"I just need to be more vigilant around him," you insist. "He took me by surprise; I got too close without thinking. Saeyoung taught me some self defense moves after the whole attempted kidnapping thing, but Unknown acted so quickly, I didn't have the time to employ them before he subdued me." The look of doubt he gives you evokes a sigh. "We're going shopping tomorrow right? Give me tomorrow...a full twenty-four hours...and then we'll tell him together. At the first sign that you're acting weird, I will run somewhere safe and call him; if we're here...I-I"ll lock myself in the bathroom until he gets here," you squeeze his fingers, your eyes silently pleading with him.

Against his better judgement, he finds himself nodding in agreement. Selfish prick. He berates himself for being weak. This is the worst idea ever. If anything dares happen to her, Saeyoung will never forgive me. I will never forgive me. But I need to believe this will work. I need more time; just a few more days to feel this connection. "Come here," he says tenderly and with one fluid motion, flips to his back and pulls you down to him. He holds you tightly with one arm around your shoulders, the other cradling your head to his chest. "We'll be cautious, but we won't go looking for trouble," he sighs, his thumb absently stroking your hair. "Saeyoung is going to kill me when he finds out I didn't let him know right away."

"He doesn't have to know that we waited."

"I thought you guys didn't keep things from each other."

"We don't," you respond, your voice troubled. Your arm wraps around his waist and squeezes. "I thought..." your words falter briefly before you continue. "I can't lose you."

"Hey," he cajoles and you lift your head to peer at him. "Whatever happens, I'm not going to let my brother keep me from you." You open your mouth to answer but he hurries to allay your fears. "And nothing is going to separate me from my brother. In my heart, you and I are just as much married as you and him. I'm not going to allow him to make me choose between you. My whole life people have made all my decisions for me; it's about time I live my own life. I choose a life with you and my brother in it."

Your eyes hold his for a moment before dropping to his lips. Reaching up, you press against the wound on his lip. "Does it hurt?"

"No," he replies, "it-"

The tips of your fingers cover his mouth, cutting off his words. "That's all I needed to know."

Sliding up, you press your lips to his as you throw a leg around his hips and maneuver yourself astride him. The unquenchable lust for you that lives just below the surface overtakes him. His tongue meets yours with enthusiasm, his body straining to get closer to you. The kiss almost immediately becomes a frantic give and take of tongues and teeth, your hands constantly on the move as you try to touch every inch of one another.

Slow it down, dumbass. Burn every second of this into your memory so you can remember it later in case you're unable to keep your word. The taste of her, the softness of her skin, the way her breasts feel in your hands; memorize it all. One hand grasps your hair, holding it back as he slows down the kiss, his tongue delving deep into your mouth to rub against yours with slow, lazy strokes. A soft whimper escapes your throat, your pelvis grinding down against his in tight circles. There; that sound. Jesus, has there ever been anything that sounds as beautiful? Remember it; god, how could I ever forget it?

Saeran's hands roam freely over your body, your soft whimpers and moans leading him to your most sensitive spots. I wish I could freeze time and live in this moment forever. The joy of pleasuring you is like nothing he's felt before. Being yours is everything and more than he thought it would be. His only purpose is to keep drawing from you the noises that make his groin ache with need.

You tear your mouth from his, your chest heaving, hands fisted in his thick curls. "I want your cock in my mouth," you gasp. Saeran's body goes still, his eyes wide as they dart swiftly between yours. Blood surges to the mentioned appendage and he swallows hard, not knowing how to respond. Wait, what? Did...I...just imagine that? When he fails to react, your already flushed skin turns a deeper shade of red and you hide your face in your hands. "Oh god, I'm sorry, was that too much?" you apologize, your words running together in your haste to salvage the situation. "When I get worked up, I sometimes just blurt out whatever is on my mind. If you don't like that I can try-"

He interrupts your flow of words, pulling your hands from your face and kissing you deeply. "I like it," he whispers hoarsely.

Holding his gaze, you rise to your knees and slide your hand down his body. It presses against his erection and his teeth sink hard into his lip. When your fingers flex around the hardened flesh, his eyes flutter closed as he mutters a curse under his breath. More...please...don't stop touching me. He swears he can feel the love you have for him in the gentle lips that press against his jaw and it enhances the pleasure of your hand slipping into his sweats, your fingers taking firm hold of the engorged flesh to stroke him with restrained lust.

He sighs your name, his tongue eagerly meeting yours when you finally make your way back to his mouth. You kiss him deeply, the mewls escaping your throat driving him insane. A groan of disappointment rumbles from his chest when you remove your hand you grin down at him. "Don't worry, I'm just getting started," you whisper against his mouth, nipping at his bottom lip as you grind your pelvis into his.

Saeran grasps your hips, his own thrusting up to increase the friction between you. He can't count how many times he's fantasized of having you astride him in this manner. However, the actuality of you moving against him, the ability to smell and taste you, to hear your vocal responses to his touch is a thousand times superior to anything he's imagined.

"What's wrong?" he asks when you pull back to stare down at him, your eyes moving over his features. Shit, what did I do? Maybe she just wants me to be still and let her do everything. But how am I supposed to not move when she feels so good? I want to touch her everywhere at once, but maybe I'm doing it wrong. His thoughts continue to race, his panic rising until your lips on his calm his mind and quiet the self-doubts.

"Nothing's wrong," you reassure him, your voice tender. The gentleness of your fingers grazing his face erases his apprehension. "I just," you pause to consider your words then start over. "All this time, you've been right here and I haven't allowed myself to really see you. I wasted so much time letting myself believe that I wasn't in love with you and that I'm not...massively...attracted to you."

"This would be extremely awkward if you weren't," Saeran teases with a grin, your words causing a pleasant warmth to spread through him. You laugh, your forehead falling to his shoulder. The musical resonance of your giggles elicits a broad smile and he hugs you to him, placing a kiss on your temple. "Look," he begins when your laughter subsides, "the past is what it is. I can't blame you for taking so long to realize how amazing I am, though I'm relieved I can stop trying so hard to ignore you; that shit was exhausting." The room is again filled with the sweet sound of your laughter and he chuckles along with you. I'm making her laugh! This is almost as good as making her moan...almost.

"Your brother isn't the only one with a sense of humor," you comment, your smile blinding.

He lifts one shoulder in a small shrug. "I have my moments," he replies, his hand stroking your hair. "Everything is easier with you. When I'm with you, it's like I realize the full potential of who I can be; who I want to be. I come close with Saeyoung, but it's different. With him, it's like looking into a mirror; you are more like gazing into my soul."

"My god, I was so wrong," you whisper misty-eyed before pressing your mouth to his. He cups the back of your head to hold you close as your tongues once again move together, the salty taste of your tears concerning him.

"Wrong about what?" he questions immediately as you part, his face a mask of anxiety. Something has just happened, but he doesn't understand what. However he's anxious to fix whatever is troubling you.

"It doesn't matter," you assure him, "Saeyoung asked me a question earlier and I was just thinking out loud." Before he can form words to question you again, you grace him with a seductive grin. "There are much better things I can be doing with my mouth."

He allows you to distract him although he's sure there is something important he is missing. The sight of your naked breasts when you remove your shirt drives all other concerns from his mind. His eyes follow the motion of his hands as they whisper up your sides, his mouth quirking at the tremor that runs through your body.

My brother may be an idiot most of the time, but he's not wrong about her breasts. With one hand on your nape, he pulls you down to press his mouth against the bruise on your neck, wishing his kiss could erase the evidence of what occured. Even if his wish were to be granted, the memories would remain, forever to be remembered as the time he injured you with this own body. It doesn't matter that he has no conscious recollection of the events that took place before he regained himself. You're still in pain because of him and that hurts more than even the betrayals he's suffered.

His mouth moves to your ear, his fingers slipping into your hair to cradle the back of your head. "I love you," he breathes, though the words are inadequate to describe how he feels. When you slip out of his arms and down his body, he feels as if his heart will burst from the adoration it contains.

Your gaze holds his, your fingers grasping the waistband of his bottoms and sliding them down along with his underwear. The material disappears somewhere on the floor near the vicinity of the bed. You settle yourself between his legs and rest on your heels, your hands trailing up and down his thighs.

"You look scared," you comment with a timid smile. "This is supposed to be fun."

"Terrified, actually," he lets out a breath of laughter.

"We can stop if you're uncomfortable." Your smile fades, a look of concern replacing it.

"No!" A streak of red paints his cheeks at your giggle with his emphatic denial. "I...well, I don't know what to do."

You study him for a moment, your tongue darting out to run along your bottom lip. Finally, your hands begin to move again, inching closer to the part that aches the most for you with each slow caress. "All you have to do is enjoy it," you explain gently. "Tonight is about me making you feel good."

Saeran nods in response, unable to speak through the pleasure of your fingers reaching their final destination. They trail up the length of him and his member flexes at your touch, seeking further stimulation. His eyes close in bliss as you at last take him into your mouth. He fights against the instinct to thrust up to meet you, keeping his body motionless. Oh my god...nothing can feel as good as this. His thought is barely finished before he is proven wrong as your tongue swirls around the head of his shaft on an upstroke.

"Saeran, remember to breathe," you instruct, the humor in your tone apparent.

Noticing the burning of his lungs, he swiftly releases the breath he didn't realize he's been holding. He takes a few shaky inhalations, every nerve in his body on fire for you. "What you're doing feels...incredible," he manages to utter. He then bites his lip as you drag your tongue along the underside of his of his cock from bottom to top. "Oh god...that too."

"Don't be afraid to move," you direct, your hand picking up the slack when you lift your head to speak. "You aren't going to hurt me. Just let go and do whatever comes naturally."

When your mouth surrounds him once again, he takes your advice and forces himself to let go of his inhibitions. He tries to clear his mind of everything except the euphoric sensations radiating from his groin; to allow instinct to take over. Experimentally, his hips move up as you come down. Oh...that's...good. The next thrust is less timid, though he still exercises some restraint. The fear that he will hurt you isn't such an easy thing to disregard; something he is grateful for when he hears you gag slightly.

"I'm sorry," he apologizes immediately, attempting to pull away.

Your hands clamp on to his hips tightly, preventing him from retreating. She wants to keep going? But- As he peers down at you to make sure you're alright, your cheeks hollow and he abruptly forgets what he was thinking. His body begins to move with you of its own accord, the strong suction robbing him of any vestiges of thought.

His fingers twist in the soft cotton sheets beneath him as to prevent himself from giving in to the sudden urge to bury them in your hair. It's all too much, yet not enough. The need to throw himself over the precipice of release wars with the desire for this to last as long as it can. His head lifts from the pillow so he has a better view to watch you. At his movement, your eyes flick up and lock with his. The corner of your mouth curves up in a tiny grin around him, your gaze full of lasciviousness.

The amount of enjoyment you appear to possess at being the cause of his unraveling surprises him. She actually likes this? How is she getting anything out of this deal? His mind briefly reverses your positions, imagining how it would feel to use his mouth on you. The act instantly goes onto his list of things he intends to perform in the coming days. Yeah, that would definitely turn me on. With his sudden realization comes the knowledge that if you were to hold back with him, the way he has been doing, he would be disappointed. She said you won't hurt her. Stop second guessing everything and just trust her.

Trust; it's the one thing that's the most difficult for him to do. Over the years, you have earned the right to request he put his faith in you. Hasn't your whole relationship, from the beginning, been about you doing what you could to respect his boundaries while still trying to formulate some sort of bond with him? It's a question he doesn't even need to consider; your heart has always been wide open to him. So wide that somehow you fell in love with him without either of you noticing. The sudden awareness of that breaks down whatever walls that remain between you.

One hand releases its death grip on the fabric he's been clinging to and hovers near your head. "Can I touch you?" he requests though he knows the answer will be what it's forever been, even if neither of you recognized it. Not until one random night that he did so without permission, without thought, and put into motion the sequence of events that would lead you to your fate together.

You raise your head and lean into the graze of his fingers against your cheek. "Always," you answer with a shake of your head. "Never stop."

His thumb brushes over your slick, swollen lips. The molten desire in your eyes drives a bolt of lust stronger than he's ever felt through him. You own me, body and soul. There's nothing I won't do for you. Drawing from whatever well of temerity that allowed him to propel you onto this path that night in the bunker's kitchen, his hand slips into your hair. With gentle pressure he guides your head back down to his throbbing member.

He watches with rapt attention as your mouth engulfs him, the breath in his lungs leaving him in a low groan. "Goddamn, you're exquisite," he sighs with heartfelt ardor.

A cloud passes over your expression, your rhythm faltering for a fleeting second. Did I say something wrong? Before he can comprehend your expression, it relaxes and you regain your tempo. His question gets lost in the unfinished phrases of approval and admiration that overlap one another in his head. The two of you move with fluid precision, your efforts to pleasure him redoubling as you moan around him. The strength of his feelings for you combines with the inferno of lust that rushes through his veins, creating a heady cocktail.

It's difficult to hear over the pounding of his heart, but the wet sucking sounds that fill the room manage to pervade the resounding beat in his ears. His muscles begin to tense, his body frantically seeking the sweet rush of release. The need to hold onto you prods him to reach down where your hand rests on his hip, his fingers interlacing with yours. His body is lost in a tsunami of pleasurable sensations, each second impossibly more intense than the one before.

His head falls back onto the pillow, his eyes clenched shut in ecstasy. Never has he felt this incredible, every nerve in his body straining towards you. His cock swells and he desperately tries to stop the inescapable wave that surges through him. When his balls tighten against his body, he knows it's too late to prolong the inevitable. Shit, I'm gonna come. Your speed increases and he tries to pull away from you, but you follow his movements with a soundof protest. You plant your lips around the base of his dick as he begins to pulsate.

What-

It's all he has to time to think before his body begins to spasm under you. His mouth falls open at the potent bliss of his orgasm. You swallow convulsively around his cock, your throat working to down as much as you can of the ropy strands of ejaculate erupting from him.

"Oh, my god," he moans under his breath, the hand on your head now fisting in its long tresses, the other holding yours in a fierce grip.

Your mouth inches up his length before releasing him with a 'pop'. You wipe your mouth with the back of your hand as your gaze lifts to his. The light kiss on the inside of his arm alerts him to the fact he's still clutching your hair. Shit! He promptly releases you, allowing you to move up to lay your head on his chest. Your hands remain entwined and you lift them to graze your lips across his knuckles.

"Are you alright?" you ask with an audible smile.

Saeran releases a breathless laugh, his chest still heaving with deep inhalations. He strokes your hair, his body limp with spent energy. "You're amazing," he claims, the drowsiness in his voice clear.

"Those are the endorphins talking," you retort in amusement.

"No," he rebukes, the seriousness in his tone causing you to lift your head to look up at him. "I mean it; I've believed that for years. Not many people could go through the shit you've gone through because of my actions and still have the ability to find anything remotely redeeming about me. And now...when you should be running for the door, you're here, loving me; fighting for an us that has the potential to put you in danger. If that's not amazing, then I don't know what is."

You shake your head once in denial. "Stop it," you scold. "You and Saeyoung give me too much credit. Anyone would have done what I've done for the people they love." Sitting up, you grab your discarded shirt and slip it over your head. "Now let's go eat, I'm starving."

Saeran scowls at you. "You didn't eat?"

"Shortly after you fell asleep I ate the snack you prepared; thank you by the way, but I wanted to wait for you before eating anything else. I bet you haven't eaten all day have you?"

"Not since this morning," he admits, a soft grunt escaping him when you poke his flat stomach.

"You're still too skinny! No more skipping meals!" Leaning down you give him a tender kiss and search his eyes. You appear to consider your words carefully before speaking again. "Saeran...the thing with Zen…"

"Don't," he warns quietly, his body tensing.

You hold up a finger, your bottom lip protruding in a pout. "Can I say just one thing?"

Saeran lets out a sigh, rubbing his hands over his face in frustration. "You are going to be the death of me. Fine, one thing." The silence stretches as you study him, your eyes darting between his. She had something to say, didn't she? "Well?" he finally prods.

"Hold on, I'm trying to choose what to say. If I only get one thing I need to make it a good one, don't I?"

He chuckles. Grabbing your waist, he pulls you down onto the soft surface of the bed beside him and rolls over to hover above you. His mouth whispers over yours his teeth nipping lightly at your bottom lip. "First thing that pops into your head; go."

"He really is innocent in this," you voice, your tone gentle. "We're just friends, I swear."

Images of the two of you entangled on the ground, illuminated by the dim street light flash into his head. In his mind's eye he can see the actor's head on your shoulder and the expression on his face when he lifted it to gaze at you. He's not overreacting about this; he fully believes if he'd not shown up when he did, your so-called friend would have made his move.

"Technically that was two things," Saeran states, pretending to frown at you. Even the slightness of the smile you grace him with is enough to make his heart pick up in speed again. He wants to believe that Zen's intentions toward you are platonic. He wishes he could, but no matter how hard he tries he can't get past the adoration the older man gazes at you with. The backs of his fingers trail along your cheek, his expression softening back into tenderness.

"I'm sorry," you apologize with genuine regret. "I need you to know that you have nothing to worry about. Zen is my best friend, but he's more like a brother than anything."

"The way he looks at you is not one of brotherly love," Saeran asserts. "He wants you, MC. If you show him even the slightest opening, he's going to take it."

"He won't," you insist fervently. "And even if he tried, I would never betray you and Saeyoung that way."

Letting out a long sigh, he presses his forehead to yours. "I know that, but I don't think it's a good idea to encourage him."

"He understands the limitations of our friendship," you reassure, your hand rising to touch his face.

"I hope you're right because if he touches you again, things are not going to end very well for him."

"Saeran," you admonish, your brow furrowing. "That's-"

"Can we please stop talking about that man?" he snaps. Sitting up, he runs his hands through his unkempt hair.

"Sure, I-I'm sorry," you answer in a small voice and slip from the bed.

"Wait," Saeran calls out as you head for the bedroom door. "Please, wait." He gets up and wraps you in an embrace. "I'm the one who's sorry. I shouldn't have spoken to you that way. It's only that we don't have a lot of time alone together and I don't want to waste a second of it."

"I understand," you answer, wrapping your arms around his waist. "I won't bring it up again."

"We'll revisit this," he promises, dropping a kiss on the top of your head. "Just not tonight, okay?" Pulling back, he places a finger under your chin to raise your face to his. He places a light kiss on each corner of your mouth before pressing his lips fully against yours. "Don't be angry with me," he pleads when you part, regretting his behavior.

"I'm not," you assure him, standing on your toes to give him another quick kiss. "It's my fault for bringing it up. You're right, we shouldn't be wasting any of our time together." Your smile eases his guilt, allowing him to return the bright one you bestow upon him. "Let's go find something trashy on tv and stuff ourselves. We've got five flavors of ice cream to taste test, after all."

"I should probably put my pants back on first," Saeran grins, realizing he's standing in the middle of the room still naked from the waist down.

"Oh, don't feel obligated on my account," you return, running your fingers along the curve of his bare ass and giving it a gentle squeeze.

The sudden desire to pleasure you overtakes any craving for sustenance. Screw it, the food can wait. Saeran suddenly lifts you against him, a loud squeal of surprised laughter escaping you. His fingers dig into the flesh of your thighs as he moves the few steps it takes to press you against the wall. Your legs wrap around his waist, hands plunging into his hair as your mouth meets his halfway. The kiss is deep and thorough, your tongues moving together to explore every inch of the other's mouth.

It only takes a split second for him to make the decision to do everything in his power to keep you with him for the entire seven days you've been alloted. It borderlines on stupidity to do so, but he understands the risks. He convinces himself that he can win this battle with himself; he can find the key to controlling the ruthless man inside him.

A distant giggle teases his ears and his heart drops so fast a wave of nausea washes over him. No. Not now. He tears his mouth from yours, his breathing as ragged as yours. Send her away; return her to Saeyoung. It's the only way to ensure her safety. His gaze moves over your face, his chest tightening with panic. I can't; I can't throw away this opportunity. Once my brother finds out about him he will never allow her to be alone with me again. She's right, we have to keep this from him for at least this week.

"Are you alright?" you echo the question you asked earlier, though your tone is the complete opposite of the amusement before.

Saeran realizes he's staring at you blankly, completely lost in his thoughts. He gently allows you to slide down the hard surface behind you until your feet touch the floor. Once again, he forces a smile even as he feels the other man begin to push at the edges of his consciousness. He needs to quickly put some distance between you. Fear of what would happen if he were to suddenly switch provokes him to back away from you and retrieve his discarded clothing. "I'm fine," he finally answers, shoving his legs into the navy sweatpants. "Go ahead and start eating. I'm...just going to duck into the bathroom real quick."

He practically runs from the room, desperate to keep you safe. He rushes into the bathroom, swiftly closing and locking the door behind him. You can't keep her away from me forever. The amused voice in head taunts him mercilessly. Especially after a performance like that.

Saeran's shocked face stares back at him from the mirror. His hands begin to shake as Unknown's words sink in. "You were...watching?"

Hmm, was I? Watching isn't entirely accurate; participating is probably closer to the truth.

"You're lying. If you'd been there, I would have known."

There's a lot of things you don't know, Cherry Boy. How do you think a spineless coward like you even worked up the nerve to get her in the first place?

Images begin to flash through Saeran's mind; snapshots of moments that have occured with you over the past couple of months. The angry outbursts and sometimes cruel things he's said play behind his eyes, the final image being one of him in the bunker's kitchen with you. The memory of licking chocolate from your slender finger is clear as day and he shakes his head in denial. "No! You were gone then. If you were there, I would have known," he repeats, though he's not sure who he is trying to convince at this point.

Ah, such a dense boy. Do you really think she'd be yours now if I had left everything up to you? Unknown giggles ominously. I'll never be gone. No matter what you do or how hard you try, I will always be here. Remember that, Cherry Boy, the next time you try to get into her pants.

"I will not let you ruin this for me," Saeran insists, pushing back against Unknown's attempts to gain control.

Let me out to play.

"Are you serious? Do you really think I would ever voluntarily let you anywhere near her?"

It is quite the predicament. In order to keep me away, you have to stay away yourself. How safe do you actually think you can keep her? You have to sleep sometime.

"If you hurt her again, I will make sure neither of us ever have access to her," Saeran's eyes search his own in the reflection. "Do you understand? I may not be able to keep you away from her, but my brother sure as hell can. Make no mistake, I would gladly die for her if I had to."

Are you threatening me?

"Who's the dense one now? You're fucking right I'm threatening you. If you lay another finger on her, I will find a way to make you disappear...permanently."

Do you think it will be that easy to get rid of me? Laughter booms in his ears, causing him to wince at its volume. Alright, Cherry Boy, I'll behave...for now. But remember, you and I are a package deal. Tell MC I said hello and I'm looking forward to...speaking...with her again.

"Don't hold your breath," Saeran mutters in response, though he can already tell the other man has faded away to wherever he goes when not tormenting him.

There's a light knock on the door and you call out. "Saeran, I'm beginning to sound like a broken record, but are you alright?"

He doesn't answer, his knuckles whitening with the strength of his grip on the sink in front of him. Fear for your well-being keeps him frozen in place. His eyes close as he focuses his attention within. He must ensure there is no more trace of the man whose intentions towards you is the only thing Saeran has been been truly afraid of in years.

"Saeran?" you call out again and it's not hard to detect the panic in your raised voice. The door knob jiggles, a fervent pounding following not a second later. "Open the door! I swear if you don't answer me-"

"I'm okay," he answers quickly, opening the door.

Your shoulders sag in relief, your damp eyes glaring at him in anger. "You can't do that! I heard you talking, then you wouldn't answer me and I was afraid-"
For the second time, he interrupts your flow of words, pulling you into his arms. "You're right, I...I'm sorry." He buries his nose in your hair, holding you in a tight grip against his chest. "I'm sorry," he repeats, his eyes burning with threatening tears. Please let me be strong enough to keep her protected.

"He's active again, isn't he?" you ask in a whisper, squeezing him close around the waist.

"He was," Saeran answers, pulling back to rest his hands on the sides of your neck. "I think I scared him away for now, but I don't know how long that will work."

"Then let's eat," you suggest. She's not even fazed? You laugh at his surprised expression. "Well, worrying about it isn't going to change anything and I'm starving. For now, our plan remains the same."

"Except for the fact that if it had been him that opened the door, we wouldn't be having this conversation right now," he retorts, panic beginning to tighten his throat. "You would be pinned against the wall again or worse; you can't be careless like that."

"Okay, okay," you soothe. "From now on all doors stay open." He gives you a strange look and you laugh again. "It's not like I'm going to watch you pee, Saeran. Although, honestly, it's nothing I haven't seen before. I just need a way to observe you from a distance in case…"

"You're right," Saeran agrees, gaining some perspective as his anxiety lessens.

"I usually am," you tease, giving him a quick peck on the lips. "Now can we please eat?"

He allows you to escape his hold and grab his hand. As he follows you from the suffocating space of the bathroom, he thinks he can hear a quiet tease of maniacal giggling. Alarm grips him but the grating sound is gone as quickly as it appeared. His heart races at the phantom sound of amusement. It's just your imagination. You throw a glance back at him over your shoulder and he prays he isn't wrong.

NOTE: After a lot of thought, I have decided to no longer update here on . I have been an author here since 2002 and nostalgia is what has kept me around as long as it has. This story will continue to be updated at AO3 where you can find me under the pen name Adriana_Morgan or by searching for my story's title. You do not need an account to read or to even comment. I sincerely hope those that have enjoyed this story will continue to read over there. If not, I understand. ^^ It's been a pleasure meeting and speaking with those of you I have chatted with via PM.