Oneiric Tryst

38. Christmas

Hongjoong awoke on the day of Christmas in Seonghwa's arms. The man still slumbered peacefully. Either he was entirely at ease with a possible bad dream, or he actually dreamt something nice with a face so relaxed. When Hongjoong snuggled up against him, Seonghwa subconsciously pulled him closer.

In the sleepy hours of the morning when the room was still dark but the outline of the window showed behind the heavy curtains, Hongjoong relished in the peace. Their twosome time was shrouded in a veil of trust and adoration that Hongjoong had never expected to develop for the police officer. They had met in a dark place, in many dark places. In forests, oceans, basements and tunnels. But this place was warm and secure. Like a safe room in a video game.

It was a place they could return to anytime to work out their fears. Both Hongjoong's doubts about his abilities and Seonghwa's curse to suffering had no meaning here. Not when they were with each other.

Hongjoong quite liked that. In a dream, he had found another eternity. An eternity of devotion and love. The next time he saw Jongho, he would have to point that out to him. His extra brain cells might impress the man.

As long as he wasn't busy with Mingi, of course.

When Hongjoong snickered to himself, Seonghwa stirred. His befuddled eyes blinked at Hongjoong, still narrow with sleep. Messy hair fell into them for Hongjoong to brush away.

"Hongjoong?" Seonghwa mumbled barely comprehensible. His pouty lips looked extra plush in sleep, and Hongjoong couldn't resist dipping in to leave a tender kiss on them.

"Sorry, I was just clowning my boss in my mind. Continue sleeping."

Seonghwa mumbled, turning on his back to shake himself out of sleep. When Hongjoong propped himself up on his elbow, he could hear what Seonghwa muttered through the hands rubbing his eyes.

"No, I want to clown your boss, too."

With a quiet laugh, Hongjoong laid his head down on the man's chest.

"Is that what couples do together? Clown their bosses?"

"Yup."

Once Seonghwa had regained his bearings, he stretched out a hand to pull Hongjoong in by his nape. Their lips melted into a sweet kiss that had neither of them minding the morning breath.

They parted when Hongjoong glanced at the door. Berry had slept outside on a pig pillow that Seonghwa had found for her that didn't fit in any of the corners in his room. It wasn't a permanent solution, but the best he had come up with.

"Let's take a walk with Berry, hm? And then we can prepare some delicious dinner before the present time."

Seonghwa just hummed in response and kissed Hongjoong again.

Before they actually got moving, both of them took a few minutes to check their messages. Jongho had texted in their group chat and wished everyone a joyous holiday. Mingi's reply was oddly stiff and artificial, but neither San nor Hongjoong pointed it out. Hongjoong texted a picture of some Christmas reindeer with a slogan. Then, he put his phone away to slip into some clothes. Sweatpants and a pullover were more than enough for today. Seonghwa seemed to disagree, even though he promptly looked stylish as soon as he put jeans on those endless legs.

Hongjoong watched him get dressed with slight disbelief. It took the man forever to pull his jeans up, and he even had to struggle to sit down.

Contrary to that, Hongjoong could hug his feet anytime. He was impressed.

"You got... legs that reach until the ground," he pointed out, ever so sharp. Seonghwa gave a troubled nod.

"I do, indeed."