Long Journey || ATEEZ

Toodle-loo!

A satisfied smirk crossed Big Grey's face as he stared at the three photographs laying before him. Today, he wasn't lounging in his throne of power like he'd usually do, and was sitting in his office. A very lavish office, at that.

Gold lined the two large pillars holding the entire structure up, and mahogany bookshelves lined the four walls, filled with numerous tomes of various languages and cultures. Though Big Grey didn't particularly care for books, they were quite a nice item of decoration, he thought. A crystal chandelier, intricate and grand and imported directly from Finia, the industrial powerhouse of the world itself, hung from the ceiling, basking in its own radiance, and ceiling-high windows stood proud and tall at the end of the office – where Big Grey sat – allowing a view of the city below.

Dongju stood before him, his usual manic grin plastered over his face.

"Looks like Seonghwa will have a lot of work cut out ahead of him," he commented, staring at the three photographs: a golden-haired youth sporting a very distinguished suit, an ageing old man with a crooked grin, and a woman with an electric pink mohawk and heavy black makeup.

"If he's feeling better," Big Grey said dismissively, but there was an air of lightness about the comment; Big Grey knew Seonghwa would come crawling back whenever he was called. It was in his nature, after all. Big Grey had made sure of that after the first – and last – time the at-the-time young and unwilling assassin had tried to escape his clutches.

Big Grey smirked, the piercings at his lip stretching with the skin.

"I guess Seonghwa will have a lot of work today," he said thoughtfully, resting his upper lip against his forefinger. "And perhaps Hongjoong, as well. It depends."

Big Grey shrugged.

"Dongju."

"Yes, sir?"

"You know who to pass this note along to, don't you?"

Dongju took the folded piece of parchment Big Grey held out for him. He gave it a quick scan, his eyes widening the smallest fraction, before a fanatic leer fixed itself into place. He gave a quick bow, though unlike any other Reds, who would remember to cast their eyes downwards as a show of respect, he locked his mismatched eyes with his boss.

"Of course I do, sir." A little joke, that anyone who had read the note would understand, crossed between the two. "I'll get going, then, if we're going to have the correct preparations made for tonight."

Big Grey nodded knowingly, and Dongju saw himself out.

* * *

Seonghwa's eyes fluttered open, and the first thing he registered was San's warm body curled up against him.

The second thing he registered was the fact that he had never remembered having a more fulfilling night's sleep than that. And without taking those tablets Hongjoong had gotten him, as well.

He felt so refreshed, unlike on other mornings, where the night before had been plagued with nightmares and unsettling dreams – especially recently – resulting in a very tired, very grumpy Seonghwa very much in need of a coffee. And maybe an Aronica tablet as well.

Perhaps it was all thanks to the little ball of humane warmth and comfort snuggled beside him.

Perhaps.

Seonghwa slowly and carefully disentangled himself from the sleeping boy, taking care not to wake him, and slipped out of the bed, then out of the room. He yawned as he settled on the sofa, checking the clock, which read ten past six, approximately. Hongjoong wouldn't be awake for hours – he liked his precious sleep-ins on the weekends.