Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Bound Together ❯ Broken Happiness ( Chapter 10 )

Chapter 10

Broken Happiness

 

Tai-Li slowly woke to the sound of heavy steps outside his room. He pleaded that they, who ever it was, would not stop at his door. Tai-Li sighed happily in relief as the heavy steps continued on down the hall. Tai-Li's attention then drew to the boy curled up beside him.

 

That's right...you're with me again…just like old times.

 

Tai-Li smiled as he lightly began to pet Tai-Shi's golden hair. He was going to spend the whole day with Tai-Shi. He would avoid his studies and training master, and most of all, his father.

 

Tai-Li had so many things to tell Tai-Shi. He would have to review al his studies with the boy. Though, that wasn't all Tai-Li wanted to talk about. He would clean Tai-Shi up and make him a delicious meal.

 

Tai-Li smiled as he saw the blonde slightly stir. He playfully tugged on his hair as the blonde's hand swatted it away.

 

“Don't…” Tai-Shi whined as he pulled the covers over his head.

 

“Come on…let's go…” Tai-Li mimicked Tai-Shi's voice.

 

“I'm tired…I finally slept well…” Tai-Shi sighed.

 

“Come on, there will be more time to sleep later. We've got lessons to catch up on.” Tai-Li smiled as he crawled out of bed and grabbed his loose clothing from a pile of folded clothes. He pulled on some dark brown trousers and a matching sleeveless top. From a separate pile, Tai-Li grabbed a blue sweatshirt and tossed it over to Tai-Shi.

 

“Alright…” Tai-Shi said as he pushed the covers off and pulled on the sweater.

 

“You're too slow!” Tai-Li teased as he grabbed Tai-Shi's arm with his left hand.

 

Tai-Shi stumbled as he was dragged out of the bed. As Tai-Shi was pulled to his feet, he stumbled and collided with Tai-Li.

 

“Wah!” The two fell over one another.

 

“You're so clumsy!” Tai-Li paused, “Get off!”

 

“You're the one who pulled on me.” Tai-Shi pouted as he sat up slowly. “Next time don't.”

 

Tai-li laughed at Tai-Shi's serious face, “Come on…let's go eat…”

 

Tai-Shi and Tai-Li snuck into the kitchen. Though they soon ducked into hiding when they heard a commotion outside.

 

“You're not allowed in here!” A guard yelled.

 

“You nee permission to enter!” Another yelled.

 

Tai-Li kept Tai-Shi hidden as he peaked out and saw a small boy run pass.

 

“Allen?” Tai-Shi asked as he peaked out of his hiding spot.

 

“Stay here.” Tai-Li said quietly as he ran outside to meet eh guards. “He went that way!” Tai-Li yelled as he pointed over the castle wall.

 

“But?” One guard began.

 

“I saw him with my own eyes. If you want to catch him then hurry!” Tai-Li said in a low growl.

 

The guards nodded and took off the way they came. Tai-Li turned around and towards the real direction Allen ran off to.

 

“You can come out now.” Tai-Li called.

 

The meek boy slowly came out of hiding and glanced around. Tai-Li motioned for Allen to come in, and Allen listened quietly. Tai-Shi smiled as Tai-Li entered the kitchen along with Allen not to far behind.

 

“Allen!” Tai-Shi smiled and latched onto Allen.

 

“I…uh…” Allen stumbled, not used to this type of greeting.

 

“Tai-Shi…” Tai-Li began and Tai-Shi released Allen.

 

“Are you going to eat with us?” Tai-Shi asked as he looked over at Ta-Li, who approved.

 

“Al-alright.” Allen said softly.

 

Tai-Li prepared rice and fixed a few pouts of cattle meat for them to eat. Allen thanked Tai-Li for the meal, but still acted a little uncomfortable.

 

“Eat! Eat!” Tai-Shi said excitedly as he dug into his food.

 

“Yes, go ahead and eat.” Tai-Li paused, “Where's Sei, usually you two are together?”

 

Allen was going to take a bite of his foot but paused, “He's not here.”

 

“He's not?” Tai-Li asked as he stopped himself from taking a bite.

 

“No, I came alone.” Allen said quietly.

 

“Eat!” Tai-Shi said forcibly with a smile.

 

Allen nodded gently and took a small bite.

 

“I take it something happened?” Tai-Li asked, taking another bite of his food.

 

Allen nodded as he pulled out of his pocket a small button. He gently rubbed the round, shinny side with his thumbs as he slowly began to speak.

 

“ I was out doing some training in the forest between our homes…” Allen paused, “I thought I was alone, but I felt someone watch me. I figured it was Sei trying to surprise me with something cause he's usually hunting out in the forest.”

 

“It wasn't then?” Tai-Li asked as Tai-Shi watched Allen fiddle with the small blue button.

 

“No…it was Rei.” Allen paused and continued rubbing the button. “He was in a tree when I spotted him. I was going to run…but…I was to afraid.” Allen said as he tightened his grip on the button and shut his eyes. “He was there…and…”

 

“Did he do anything to you?” Tai-Li tensed, watching how hard it was for the boy to speak, even though he wanted to speak.

 

“He pinned me against a tree…and…” Allen roughly swallowed.

 

“You don't have to tell us that…what else happen? Did he say anything?” Tai-Li asked not sure how to calm the boy down.

 

“He…he told me that I don't have to be afraid anymore…that…that he had found someone he loved…” Allen slowly opened his eyes. “He said Tai-Shi will be his, and will be living with him soon.”

 

“No!” Tai-Li growled as he abruptly stood up, scaring both Allen and Tai-Shi.

 

“Tai-Li…” Tai-Shi quietly said.

 

Tai-Li realized what his action had done. He slowly sat down and apologized. “I'm…sorry.”

 

Everyone was quiet for a few moments before Tai-Shi quietly spoke.

 

“What does that button mean?” Tai-Shi asked Allen.

 

“Huh?” Allen asked looking up at Tai-Shi.

 

“The button…” Tai-Shi asked pointing to Allen's hand.

 

“Oh! This,” Allen blushed and Tai-Shi watched Allen open his hand, “It means that Sei loves me, and he'll always be there for me.”

 

Tai-Shi nodded and reached into his tattered pocket and pulled out a small black button. Tai-Li tensed as he saw the small button.

 

“Does this mean Rei loves me?” Tai-Shi asked.

 

Allen stared at the button and slowly nodded, not sure if he should have or not. Tai-Shi nodded in return and held the button close to his chest.

 

Tai-Li looked away and lightly gritted his teeth.

 

“Tai-Li…would it be back if Rei took me?” Tai-Shi asked as he looked up at Tai-Li.

 

Tai-Li froze and felt the same numbing pain return to his chest. “You…do you think it would be bad, Tai-Shi?”

 

Tai-Shi shrugged slightly, “I don't know…” His voice softened as he stared down at the plate in front of him.

 

Allen had finished his meal and stood up.

 

“I'll leave you here…I have to go…thank you for letting me eat.” He slowly turned and peered out the door.

 

Tai-Shi and Tai-Li nodded as Allen checked around the corner of the door before running off.

 

The two brothers watched as Allen dashed towards the wall, heaved himself over it, and disappeared out of sight.

 

“Tai-Li?” Tai-Shi asked softly.

 

“If you want to go…then fine…he'll just hurt you again!” Tai-Li choked and looked away.

 

“I don't want Rei to touch me…” Tai-Shi softly said.

 

“Then don't go…stay here with me…” Tai-Li said looking to the floor.

 

There was another short silence before Tai-Shi spoke again.

 

“When Rei touches me…I'm confused…and afraid…but when Tai-Li touches me…I feel safe and happy.” Tai-Shi said as he put the button back into his pocket.

 

Tai-Li looked up and smiled softly to himself.

 

Why do I feel warm? Is it because of what Tai-Shi said?

 

“Why?” Tai-Shi asked.

 

“Huh? Why?” Tai-Li stumbled.

 

“Yes, why does my chest feel tight, my heart beat fast, and I feel warm when I'm near you?” Tai-Shi pouted as he glared at Tai-Li.

 

“I…uh…” Tai-Li stumbled.

 

Could he be…in love with me?

 

“Tai-Shi?” Tai-Li asked a bit flustered.

 

“Why is your face red?” Tai-Shi asked.

 

“Never mind that…Tai-Shi…do you love me?” Tai-Li managed to choke out.

 

“Love?” Tai-Shi paused. “I don't understand?”

Tai-Li paused to think. Tai-Shi was never around someone except Tai-Li to show him love. The maids never paid any mind to him. Tai-Li had only showed Tai-Shi love as a brother would. It never came across to him to think if he loved Tai-Shi more than a brother.

 

“Tai-Shi…um…how to explain this…love is…to be in love is…” Tai-Li paused and took a deep breath. “Let's go somewhere where we can talk freely and not have to worry about anyone else hearing our conversation.”

 

Tai-Li slowly stood up and began cleaning the table and dishes up. Tai-Shi nodded and began to help Tai-Li. When the two were done, Tai-Li and Tai-Shi snuck out back through the garden wall. The two walked in silence until they reached the open field where the two would train.

 

“Now. Tell me.” Tai-Shi pouted as he looked up at Tai-Li, waiting for his answer.

 

“Tai-Shi…when you love someone…” Tai-Li had plenty of time to plan out his words as he and Tai-Shi walked together, “…you want to be there for them. You want to make them happy, even if it makes you sad. You never want to hurt them. You…want to be with them always.”

 

Tai-Shi quietly thought to himself. He looked back up at Tai-Li.

 

“What happens when you do feel that?” Tai-Shi asked.

 

“You want the other person to feel the same as you do.” Tai-Li said softly as he sat back into the grass.

 

“What if they don't?” Tai-Shi asked, taking a seat next to Tai-Li.

 

“I don't know....” Tai-Li said softly.

 

“How do you feel?” Tai-Shi asked as he rolled to stand on his hands and knees to face Tai-Li. Tai-Li's face reddened and he couldn't make words. “Why is your face red? Why are you just making sounds? Why?' Tai-Shi asked slowly crawling towards Tai-Li.

 

“Tai-Shi?” Tai-Li managed as he scooted back away from Tai-Shi. Through not too far away from Tai-Li was a trunk of a tree, and his back soon leaned up against it. Tai-Shi leaned close to Tai-li to examine him.

 

Something in Tai-li snapped. Before either knew what happened, Tai-Shi was flat on his back with his wrists pressed tightly to the ground by both sides of his head. Tai-Li's knees pressed tightly against Tai-Shi hips. Tai-Li stared down at the wide-eyed Tai-Shi. The scene was familiar, a replay of the night Tai-Shi and Tai-Li went to train. The only difference was, now, Tai-Li had the upper hand.

 

“Tai-Li?” Tai-Shi began his voice seemed tiny.

 

“Tai-Shi…” Tai-Li took a deep breath, “When that night…the night Rei did what he did…I felt dead. By the time I went looking for him…it was too late. I met him outside…I ran inside, praying that he wasn't talking about you. But…then I saw you…I wished I was dreaming, I told myself I'll wake up next to you any moment…things couldn't have been real. I felt dead. When you said that you hated me…my world felt like it ended. It felt like my chest held nothing…”

 

“But I didn't—” Tai-Shi began.

 

“I know…but…those three weeks…they felt like an eternity. Without you…I was so alone…Tai-Shi…when you came into my room last night…I finally felt alive…if…if that isn't being in love…I don't' know what is!” Tai-Li squinted his eyes and bit down on his lower lip.

 

“Tai-Li…” Tai-Shi began. His lips curved into a soft smile as he slowly sat up. Tai-Li crawled off of Tai-Shi and sat back. Tai-Shi leaned forward and wrapped his arms around Tai-Li's neck. “I love you too.”

 

Tai-Li smiled gently and pulled Tai-Shi into his lap. Tai-Shi curled his head under Tai-Li's chin.

 

“Tai-Li…if what Rei did was wrong…what's right?” Tai-Shi asked.

 

“If you really want to know…then I'm teach you…” Tai-Li said softly as he lifted Tai-Shi's face to meet his own as their lips lightly brushed against each other.

 

~ * ~

 

Tai-Shi slowly crawled out of Tai-Li's bed and retrieved his loose fitting pants from the floor. He slowly walked outside and smiled to himself. He rubbed his arms at an attempt to warm his arms. It was a little chilly and fireflies were slowly beginning to leave for warmer air.

 

A sudden noise caught Tai-Shi's attention but he paid no real mind to it. He yawned and watched the stars above him. He smiled as he gently glided his fingertips of his right hand down the middle of his chest. He remembered Tai-Li's touches fondly.

 

In the next moment, Tai-Shi felt a damp cloth wrap around his nose and mouth, and felt another arm tightly grab him from behind him. He didn't have time to try to call for help because he was feeling his body weak and loose consciousness.

 

~ * ~

 

Everything was so soft. Tai-Shi's mind continued to swim as if it were in a daze. But why? Why was it so soft and warm?

 

The songs of morning birds slowly pulled Tai-Shi's thoughts together. He slowly opened his eyes and squinted through the bright light from the window. Outside Tai-Shi could see trees, birds, and other plants and animals. Though, nothing looked familiar.

 

Tai-Shi slowly sat up and looked around the unfamiliar room. The bed he was laying in was made of soft silk and animal furs and feathers.

 

Where's Tai-Li?

 

He was with Tai-Li up until then, wasn't he? Tai-Shi jumped as he saw three women walk through the door in front of the bed.

 

“Morning young Master.” The three said as they bowed in unison.

 

Tai-Shi pushed back against the wall to try and get away.

 

Who are these people?

 

“We were assigned to properly dress you.” The smallest woman said, holding light colored clothing in her arms.

 

“Dress me?” Ta-Shi choked out.

 

“Yes, Master Rei wishes us to dress you.” They smiled.

 

“Wait!” Tai-Shi tried to get away but couldn't. The women pulled him out of the bed and proceeded to dress him.

 

This is when Tai-Shi noticed he was missing his clothing. He yelped as he felt their cold hands grab his hips. Soon, baggy gray pants were pulled up to his waist. A loose black belt held them up on Tai-Shi's slender waist. He also felt skintight fabric around his hands and went barely passed his elbows. Around his feet he felt lightweight comfortable boots. The last piece of cloth that was placed on his was a light blue scarf. The material was wrapped around his neck and hung loosely to the floor. Tai-Shi loosened it so the fabric covered some of this chest. Even doing that, the ends of the scarf still dragged the ground. The scarf obviously belonged to the tall Rei.

 

As soon as Tai-Shi was finished being dressed, he was quickly escorted out of his room and down the hall. The decorations were rich and exotic. Tai-Shi noticed that Rei's family had an assortment of different fabrics. The silks caught Tai-Shi's eyes though. He was fond of the colors and designs of animals and mythical ones too. Tai-Shi couldn't understand where the family could have got anything.

 

Before Tai-Shi could ask one of the servants, he felt strong arms wrap around him from behind and soft, warm lips kiss his left cheek.

 

“Morning sleepy head.” Rei's voice said softly.

 

Tai-Shi jumped but couldn't get away.

 

“Calm down, love. We are going to meet my father now. Any questions you may have will be asked and answered after my father is done speaking.” Rei smiled as he came to a stop a set of large brass doors.

 

Rei opened the door and took a seat at one of the ends of the table. The other end must belong to Master Berth then Tai-Shi slowly took the other seat placed at the table and held his hands in his lap.

 

Shortly after Tai-Shi and Rei were seated, a tall gruff man walked through the doors. He stopped as Rei rose from his seat and bowed.

 

“Father, I hope you slept well.” Rei paused as two maid hurried over to Tai-Shi. They pulled him from his seat and forced him to bow. “This is Tai-Shi Kay.” Rei made sure to emphasize Tai-Shi's birth name, “He is the one I've told you about.”

 

The man nodded and turned to face Tai-Shi. Tai-Shi looked up and noticed the man was just as tall as Rei. The clothing he wore where similar to Rei's and his, yet different. He wore black loose fitting trousers and a white scarf was tied loosely over his waist. On his feet he wore some sort of sandal. He hands and wrists were covered with fingerless gloves. He wore a bandanna on his arm that was of a dark bluish color. Like Tai-Shi, Rei's father had short messy hair. Though, it was shoved back out of his eye and behind his ears with a black headband.

 

“This is the mistreated child of Eliot?” He asked, as he slowly looked Tai-Shi over. He stopped to study the visible scars on Tai-Shi's pale body. “Stand straight on your own…” He said quietly and Tai-Shi felt the hands of the maids release him. He slowly did what he was told and looked up at Rei's father. Rei's father examined the boy's muscle tone and then again stopped upon the scars. Though, he was more interested in the eye patch over Tai-Shi's right eye. “What happened to your eye, boy?”

 

Tai-Shi gulped and tensed slightly.

 

“Come on, speak.” Rei's father said.

 

“Oil...” Tai-Shi said quickly.

 

“Oil?” He repeated.

 

“Y-yes…” Tai-Shi said quietly, looking down at the floor.

 

“How?” Rei's father said slowly.

 

“Oil from a candle…it was thrown on me.” Tai-Shi said with a weak voice.

 

“And your father did this?” He asked.

 

“Y-yes…but it was my fault.” Tai-Shi said softly.

 

“Why?” He simply asked.

 

“Because I remind father that I am the end of the family bloodline.” Tai-Shi answered quietly, looking away.

 

Rei's father nodded and thought to himself. He slowly approached Tai-Shi and placed his hands on Tai-Shi's shoulders. Tai-Shi gulped and looked up. He felt small compared to both Rei and Rei's father.

 

“When is your birthday?” He asked staring down at Tai-Shi.

 

“It's…it's in a few weeks. I'll be eighteen.” Tai-Shi answered and looked up at the man in front of him.

 

“Then that will be the official day you become a member of this family. Until then, you will be treated as a member of the Kay Clan,” Tai-Shi tensed slightly, “with noble blood. You will have the luxuries you were not permitted to at your estate.”

 

“You'll be like Tai-Li.” Rei commented quietly.

 

“Please, sit. We'll feast and take leisure today. There is no need to be frightened. We'll live as a family.” Rei's father said as he took his seat.

 

Rei smiled to Tai-Shi and took his seat. Tai-Shi didn't know what was going on still. Tai-Shi gingerly took his seat. He stared at the glass plate in front of him and silently cried.

 

~ * ~

 

“Tai-Shi?” Tai-Li moaned as he reached over the bed, looking for Tai-Shi's warmth.

 

Tai-Li's eyes slowly opened as he focused on the empty spot next to him.

 

“Tai-Shi?” Tai-Li softly said as he stood up out of bed and pulled on his trousers.

 

Tai-Li looked around his room to see if Tai-Shi was hiding, but that didn't look like the case. Tai-Li thought Tai-Shi might be outside. He opened his door and felt the cold air caress his bear chest. He shivered and took a few steps out on o his porch. He stopped when he felt his bear footstep upon something. He looked down and saw a flimsy piece of paper under his left foot. Tai-Li moved his foot and picked up the small piece of paper. It was a note. He opened it and read:

 

Dear Tai-Li,

 

When you read this, I would be long gone. I have gone to be with Rei. I do not expect you to understand. Please do not come looking for me. You will not be able to find Rei's estate.

 

Tai-Shi~

 

~ * ~

Author's Note: Well it's me again. I didn't think this chapter was going to be this long or not take this long to type out. To tell you the truth…Ch. 10's been done for over a few weeks. I just hate writing it in a journal…then transferring it over. I've been reluctant to start 11…but I have…because I know it's going to take me forever to type out 11 if I complete it in my journal.

 

Any who…wow! Another changing point. Rei stole Tai-Shi from Tai-Li after a night of passion. All right…it's going to take me a while to write in that…extra x.x Oh my gods…I'm not looking forward to it. Time will pass quickly, so it doesn't seem long between each chapter.

 

Well, I hope you liked this chapter. I hope to be a little speedier in writing chapter 11. So I'll see you next time. We'll learn secrets of the Kay Clan family.