From the Beginning

Chapter 26: Cousin

[2016]

Bailey sat on the couch and put another one of Yulian's favorite dramas on the television. He totally fell asleep on that professor's shoulder on purpose. Wait. Wasn't he wearing a belt when they got in the taxi? The belt was gone when they reached his place. Did something happen in the taxi? Bailey laughed. No wonder White...Yulian enjoyed watching this drama so much. These two guys were made for each other, like Yulian and... Bailey took a sip of his beer and sighed. I wonder where he is right now. Is he safe? Does he miss me? I freaking miss him.

***

[2018]

Bowen walked out of Skye's room and saw Jensen putting the empty thermos back into his reusable bag. "Are you leaving?"

"Yes. Sion is waiting for me." Jensen confirmed. "How's Skye?"

"His fever has gone down. He's sleeping now."

"If he doesn't feel better by tomorrow, you'll have to take him to the doctor."

"I will."

"All right. I should get going."

"Wait." Bowen dashed to the living room and returned with a bag. "These are for you and Sion."

Jensen took a look in the bag. "Sweatshirts...?"

"Ge and I went shopping the other day and decided to get you guys matching sweatshirts." Bowen smiled. "We bought some for ourselves as well."

"I see. Thank you."

"Thank you for the food, especially the porridge."

"I placed two containers in your fridge," Jensen informed. "Remember to eat when you get hungry."

"Okay. Thanks ge. Drive safely."

"Call me if you need anything."

"You know that I will." Bowen walked Jensen to the door and locked it when he exited. I finished washing all the dishes and wiped down the countertop. I should go clean the kitchen floor. He nodded to himself and went to get the mop and a bucket of water.

"Bowen."

Without looking up, Bowen answered thinking that it was Skye. "Ge, why are you awake? You should be resting."

"It's me."

Recognizing his voice, Bowen's eyes widened and he quickly looked over. "Yulian?" He immediately walked over to the alien. "You're back."

"Yes." Yulian nodded.

Bowen's eyes darted to the doorway to make sure that Skye wasn't around. "Skye ge..."

"Don't worry," Yulian reassured. "I made sure that he's still asleep before I showed myself. He's going to be asleep for another hour."

"I see." Bowen gave out a sigh of relief. "Bailey told me that you got your memory back."

"You recently spoke to Bailey?"

"Yes."

"How is he?"

"He misses you," Bowen informed, "very much."

"I miss him, too."

"Why don't you go back to the time prior to leaving him? Then, he wouldn't have to miss you in the first place. You don't have an original self to merge your memories with, so it shouldn't matter."