Mi Appartieni

Chapter Twelve

         Upon returning to the estate, Joshua is still passed out so Seokmin carries him into the villa. He makes his way to Joshua's room and settles him in bed. Seokmin brings the covers up to him and kneels down on the ground next to him, stroking his hair in a soothing rhythm.

"It's okay, il mio piccolo." (My little one) "I will do anything and everything in my power to bring your happiness back. I'll never let another tear fall from your eyes, another frown threaten your precious smile. I will take your pieces and make you whole again. You will always be safe with me."

Seokmin strokes Joshua's hair a few more times before standing. It was late, but he wouldn't rest until this Hajoon was found.

Seokmin goes to turn away but suddenly, Joshua reaches up and grabs his hand. Seokmin snaps back toward Joshua in disbelief. "D-Don't go." Joshua says but he's still asleep, a subconscious cry for help.

Seokmin doesn't know if this is just Joshua being passed out drunk, or if he was truly calling for him. Regardless of the reason, Seokmin doesn't dare not give Joshua what he wants. He obeys, like he always will whenever Joshua asks him for something.

Seokmin takes off his jacket and slides into bed with Joshua. Joshua immediately clings onto him as if his life depended on it. Seokmin holds him close, easing the tension in his body.

Mingyu will have to start the search for Joshua's dark shadow without him. Right now, Joshua needed him. And Seokmin would be damned if he wasn't there for him, ready to catch him if he fell, ready to hold him if a nightmare threatened him. Ready to be whatever Joshua needed.

**

Joshua's eyes slowly flutter open, the sunlight shining down on his pale face. He groans, feeling his head pounding with that hangover headache. 

He slowly props himself onto an elbow and looks around in disbelief. He didn't have a nightmare last night. How was that possible?

His nightmares come in waves. He'll sometimes go a long time without them. But once he has one, they don't stop for weeks. He'll keep having them until his panic is finally eased, until the darkness that is Hajoon has been pushed away again. 

What was different this time? How could he have one, then none the next night and awaken feeling the most refreshed he's felt in a while? Minus the hangover.

Joshua's eyes go wide when he remembers what's different. The last two nights... he's slept beside Seokmin. 

He knows he was drunk last night, but he still remembers bits and pieces. He vaguely remembers the vineyard, how he shamelessly revealed too much of his past and he remembers Seokmin coming to bed with him, allowing Joshua to cling onto him again.

Joshua rubs his face in frustration. How can that be? How can Seokmin, a person he's only known a few days, have such an affect on him? How can Joshua feel such warmth in him? Such care, safety and security? 

He didn't even know Seokmin. How could he completely eradicate Joshua's nightmares just by holding him at night? Who was this man?

Joshua sighs and sits up at the edge of the bed. He sees a glass of water and pain killers on the bedside table. 

He can't help the small, sad smile that finds its way to his lips. Seokmin always seemed to be right there, lingering near Joshua even when he wasn't physically there. Joshua takes the pain killers.

**

It takes Joshua some time to shower and compose himself before stepping out of his room. He sees the bodyguards that have become familiar faces. "Good morning, Mr. Hong." They say as they bow.