Whispers Before Dawn

Chapter 15

"I've noticed something..." Ilay said quietly, his voice soft as he studied Tae-ui.

"Hmm?" Tae-ui responded, his eyes on Ilay, curious.

"You never close your eyes when we're together" Ilay said, a touch of wonder in his tone.

Tae-ui smiled softly, his gaze unwavering. "I love the intensity in your gaze when you're looking at me. I like the kind of high I get when I look into your eyes."

Ilay didn't respond immediately, his expression contemplative, a quiet intensity passing between them.

"So intense, like you want to consume me" Tae-ui added, his voice dropping slightly.

Ilay's lips curved into a playful pout. "I want to, but my need interferes with it" he admitted, his tone half-serious.

Tae-ui grinned, the playful glint returning to his eyes. "Should I give you just my hand, or maybe a foot?" he asked, his voice light with excitement.

Ilay's pout shifted into a smirk. "Hmm... Give me your tongue for now" he said, his tone teasing.

Tae-ui laughed softly, "Haha... Umm" he muttered, his eyes sparkling as he leaned closer to Ilay.

******

"Where are you?" The voice on the phone was cold, sharp, cutting through the air with unmistakable intensity.

"I'm shopping" came the reply, cheerful and excited, completely contrasting the coldness on the other end.

"Where?" the cold voice demanded.

"Pacific Place" the excited voice chirped, unfazed.

"Why did you leave me?" The cold voice now carried an edge of possessiveness.

"I left a note. You were working the whole night yesterday. I didn't want to disturb you" the excited voice replied, a hint of apology creeping in.

"Get your ass back here right now" the cold voice commanded, no room for negotiation.

"Oh... okay..." the once-excited voice softened, now subdued.

"I'll take you later, but I want you here right now " the cold voice added, quieter but still firm.

"Yes, yes. I'm leaving. See you soon" the excited voice turned calm, the eagerness now reined in.

The person with the cold voice disconnected the call, exhaling softly. He glanced around the room and finally spotted the note left under a water bottle on the side table.

It read:
"Gone shopping. Need a few things. I'll be back before you know it. :*"

He scoffed lightly, laying back on the bed, the faintest trace of a smile tugging at his lips. "Come back soon" he muttered to himself, eyes drifting shut.

******

As Ilay's black eyes slowly fluttered open, he felt a soft hand gently caressing his pale face. Looking up, he saw Tae-ui leaning over him, a warm expression on his face as his fingers traced Ilay's features. Ilay reached up with his own pale hands and grasped Tae-ui's hand. With a swift movement, Ilay pulled Tae-ui closer, and sat atop him. Encircling Tae-ui within his arms, Ilay held him securely, effectively caging him in a protective embrace.

Tae-ui smiled, his eyes sparkling with mischief, as he blew a playful kiss toward Ilay.

Ilay leaned in, resting his forehead against Tae-ui's and taking a deep, calming breath. "You scared me... Why would you leave?" Ilay asked softly, his voice betraying a hint of vulnerability.