The Devil Within (yujae)

15

"Hyung wake up!" Ten was shaking Yuta trying to wake him up from his nightmare. Finally, his eyes shot open and he sat up.

He hugged Ten, shaking. He wasn't crying this time which was better than normal. The nightmare was different this time. Just darkness and fear. No man or anything like that.

"It's okay Ten. I'm okay. Thank you." He lauded back down and pulled Ten into his side. Luckily for him, Ten didn't mince cuddling. "It wasn't as bad as others. I think you being here helped. Thank you." Ten wrapped his arms around Yuta's waist and kissed his chin. "You know I'll do anything to help you. I love you." Yuta smiled but laughed. "Oh lord don't go confessing on me now." Ten poked him in the side, "Smart ass you know what I mean." Yuta smiled. He didn't deserve Ten. "Yea I do. I love you too Tennie."

Yuta groaned as he sat up and checked the time. They had about thirty minutes before Ten had to be at work. That gave Yuta an hour. "Come on Ten, you need to be at work soon." He got up, taking the blanket with him. "Hey, it's cold now! Butt-head." Ten stuck his tongue out at Yuta, but got out of bed and headed to the bathroom.

Yuta went into the kitchen to get a glass of water. He thought about all that had happened in the last few days and could barely believe any of it. His world had literally been turned upside down. He shook his head and finished his water, putting the glass in the sink.

Ten came in the kitchen yawning, "Well I better head out. I have a change of clothes at work so I'll get ready there. I'll see you after work." He gave Yuta a hug and kissed his cheek before heading out the door. Yuta smiled, thinking about how blessed he was to have Ten in his life, even if he didn't deserve him. That got him thinking, he had just considered himself blessed. But was he, is that what you would call it anyway? He was going to have to ask Jaehyun about that.

He got ready and headed to Ten's, just grabbing his morning coffee on his way to work. He hoped he could manage his work today. He had so much on his mind but he didn't want to screw anything up.

The day went by like a blur. He helped customers and did anything his boss asked. It wasn't as hard as he thought. As the day came to an end and it was time for him to leave, he walked up to the owner, "Would it be okay if I took tomorrow off? I have some personal stuff I need to take care of?" He didn't think she would mind but you never know. "Of course not Yuta, you take care of yourself, honey, I'll see you Wednesday." She patted his shoulder and walked towards the back. He was so lucky to have found this job.

As he made his way to meet up with Jaehyun, he tried to think of anything specific he wanted to ask or know. He didn't want to have to keep meeting up to discuss new things. He wanted this to be the last time.

He walked in and Ten pointed to the back table. Yuta nodded and grabbed the drinks Ten had for them. "Thanks. I'll talk to you before I go home." He walked up and sat the drink in front of Jaehyun before taking the seat across from him.

"Thank you for the drink and for meeting me again."

"You're welcome, but I would like this to be the last time we meet up." Yuta saw a slight change in Jaehyun's poster and expression. He put his hand on the table and started running his finger across Jaehyun's knuckles. Why he was doing this he didn't know but it felt right. "Jaehyun, I didn't mean I don't want to see you again. I just meant I don't want to have to keep meeting up and having these informative discussions."

Jaehyun visibly relaxed and let out a sigh. "You scared me Yuta, but I understand. Did you sleep okay last night? Was it any better with Ten there?" He knew it wasn't going to be easy on Yuta with him not around.

"I did have a nightmare but it wasn't as bad. Just darkness, fear, and pain. It did help to have Ten. He woke me up and cuddled with me. I'm surprised I didn't suffocate. He's so clingy." He laughed imaging Ten as a koala.

"You love him. I can tell." Jaehyun had a hard to read expression this time. Jealousy? Longing? Yuta wasn't sure. "I do. He is like the brother I never had. Even though I am older he definitely takes care of me."

Jaehyun nodded, "I am glad you have him then. So, do you have any other questions or do you want me to tell you something specific?" He wanted to be open with Yuta but he honestly wasn't sure how much more the boy could take right now.

"I would like you to stay at my place tonight and prove to me that you can make my nightmares go away. If you can, I will believe everything you say. I mean, what you said is pretty convincing as it is, but this would solidify it for me."

Jaehyun just looked at him for a minute. He thought maybe he didn't hear what he said. "Are you sure Yuta? I mean, I don't mind if that's what you want."

Yuta thought about it again and he didn't see any other way to test this theory.

 "Yes, I'm sure."