KILL ME HEAL ME

Chapter 18

Weeks later after that night, Tyme and Great's relationship had settled into something beautifully natural. They fell into an easy rhythm, finding themselves drawn to each other in ways that felt more effortless with every passing day.

Tyme ended up sleeping over at Great's place more often than not, his belongings slowly starting to make their way into Great's space-an extra toothbrush in the bathroom, a sweater draped over the couch. It felt like they were creating a world just for the two of them, a cozy bubble of shared moments and unspoken understanding.

At work, Job always poking fun. He'd noticed Tyme's slightly dreamy look and the little smiles he couldn't hide, especially when he caught Tyme checking his phone for messages from Great.

"Tyme, you're really out here looking all lovestruck," Job teased one afternoon, nudging him in the side. "Better get it together before you start floating around here like you're in a romance movie."

Tyme just laughed, rolling his eyes as he shot back, "Well, at least one of us isn't doomed to be single forever. Maybe you should step up your game, Job, before you end up the world's oldest bachelor."

Job chuckled, throwing his hands up. "Fine, fine, I see how it is. Guess I'll just have to get used to you being unavailable for my Friday night plans."

Tyme grinned. "Wouldn't have it any other way."

One Saturday afternoon, Great decided to visit Korn and Tonka. It had been a while since he'd seen them, and he knew they'd be happy to catch up.

When he arrived, Korn and Tonka greeted him warmly, with Tonka flashing a wide grin and pulling him in for a hug.

"Look at you, little brother," Korn said, ruffling Great's hair with a knowing smile. "You look like a whole new person."

Great chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "Do I?"

Tonka, sipping his smoothie, raised an eyebrow. "You're practically glowing. Whatever you're doing, keep it up."

Great laughed, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. He hadn't fully realized it, but he did feel different lately-lighter, happier. And it was all thanks to Tyme.

Korn exchanged a look with Tonka before turning back to his brother with a proud smile. "So, what's going on?" Korn asked, clearly sensing there was more to Great's visit. "You don't usually drop by for no reason."

Great shook his head with a laugh. "What, can't I visit my brother and brother-in-law without an agenda?"

"Just tell us-it's about Tyme, isn't it?" Korn pressed, his tone serious but his smile giving him away.

Realizing he couldn't hide anything from his brother, Great sighed in mock defeat. "Look, this isn't about me. I came to see how you two were doing," he replied, attempting to steer the conversation in a different direction.

Korn rolled his eyes, crossing his arms with an amused smile. "Uh-huh. Sure, you did."

Great laughed, Korn's expression told him he wasn't going to let this go. He knew his brother too well.

Tonka leaned forward with a playful grin. "Come on, Great. Don't think you're getting out of this one that easily."

Great sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright, fine," he said, a small, shy smile forming. "Things with Tyme are... well, they're good. Really good, actually."

Korn's face softened, a mix of pride and happiness in his eyes. "I'm glad, little brother. You deserve it."

Great could feel his face warm under their attention, but it was a good feeling, being able to share his happiness with them. "I mean, lately it's just been so...interesting and comfortable."

Tonka gave him an approving nod. "That's how it should be. Sounds like you've found someone who brings out the best in you."

Korn raised his glass in a mock toast. "I knew you came because you had something to brag about. To Tyme for somehow putting up with this guy," he teased, giving Great a playful nudge.
Great laughed, feeling lighter than ever as they all clinked their glasses together.

"Alright, now enough about me. How's married life treating you two?" Great asked, eager to shift the conversation.

Korn grinned, exchanging a quick glance with Tonka. "You just happened to show up at the perfect time," he said, his voice full of excitement.

Great raised an eyebrow. "Perfect time for what?"

Korn's smile grew as he shared the news. "Well, you're going to be an uncle."

Great's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait... really?" His voice was full of excitement, and Tonka nodded, his face beaming. Great couldn't help himself-he jumped up, rushing to hug them both tightly, his heart swelling with happiness. "Congratulations!" he said, his voice thick with joy.

As the day wound down, Great said his goodbyes to Korn and Tonka and headed straight to Tyme's place, his excitement bubbling over. He couldn't wait to tell Tyme the news about becoming an uncle.

When he knocked on the door, it was Tyme's grandma who opened it, her face lighting up with joy. "Great! Look at you! It's been ages!" she exclaimed, pulling him in for a warm hug. The two of them chatted easily, catching up on the past month. Grandma asked how he'd been and, with a knowing twinkle in her eye, how Tyme had been treating him.

"Don't worry, Grandma," Great said with a laugh, "Tyme's been nothing but good to me."

Grandma shared a few of her own stories, filling Great in on her recent trip. They laughed together as she recounted some funny moments, and Great felt as though he was truly part of the family. Just then, Tyme emerged from his room, his hair still damp from a shower. His face lit up at the sight of Great, and he walked over to greet him, pressing a quick kiss on Great's cheek.

Caught off guard, Great blushed, nudging him lightly embarrassed that Tyme did that in front of his grandma. Grandma chuckled, clearly entertained by their dynamic. "Now that you're both here," she said with a warm smile, "why don't we have dinner together?"

"Sure, Grandma," Tyme agreed, his arm casually resting on Great's shoulder.

"Oh, and Great," she added with a grin, "I made your favorite tonight."

Great's eyes lit up, his hands coming together in excitement knowing that he's going to enjoy the meal."Thank you, Grandma!"

They all moved to the dining room, laughter and warmth filling the space.

They continued their warm conversation over dinner, but suddenly, Great's expression shifted. He grew quiet, his face a little pale. Tyme and his grandma exchanged glances before Tyme leaned in, concerned. "Is something wrong?"

Great shook his head, managing a small smile as he reached for his glass of water. He took a few sips, forcing himself to focus on his food. Tyme and Grandma continued talking, and Great joined in here and there, but it was clear something wasn't right. Grandma kept an eye on him, noticing that he seemed to not enjoy the food and also seemed to have difficulty swallowing, and that he was sipping water more frequently than usual.

Finally, after another small bite, Great's face tightened. He quickly put his fork down, covering his mouth, and abruptly stood up, hurrying toward the bathroom. Tyme's eyes went wide with concern as he watched him rush off, and he looked over at his grandma, alarmed.

But Grandma had her gaze fixed on Tyme, her expression thoughtful. There was something about the way she looked at him-a mix of curiosity and something more knowing, as if a suspicion was forming in her mind.