Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

He's beautiful when he dances.

It's something Kun has always thought, or rather has always known without having to think about.  Sometimes he's said it aloud with confidence, proud of the talent and skill that his teammate possesses.  But exactly when that certain and effortless five-word fact dropped the last three words and became a bit more vague, a bit blurry around the edges, a bit more question than statement - He's beautiful...he's beautiful? - Kun can't recall.

And then one day it hits him so suddenly, as he watches Ten laying on their practice room floor, nearly motionless apart from the way his chest moves with deep breaths and his fingers scroll on his phone, scrubbing through choreography videos. It IS only that he's beautiful when he dances.  It's just that...Ten is always dancing.  Even now, his eyes dance over to Kun standing nearby, staring down at him.  His lips dance around a smile, as he gracefully extends a shaped hand in a silent request to be pulled up.  Kun blinks dumbly as he's processing his revelation, but luckily his own hand shoots out on reflex, his manners and helpful nature so deeply ingrained into muscle memory that he could never leave someone hanging, despite his mind racing a mile a minute.

Yes, Ten is always dancing.  Even in perfect stillness, his aura is full of lyrical motion.  In moments of honed focus, his hand guides a pen in seemingly choreographed strokes across a screen, painting dark, bold lines that bend and arch and twirl into a form of his choosing.  Even in realms outside of his control - outside of the four mirrored walls of their practice room, outside of the four protected edges of his iPad screen, outside of these spaces of reflection and safety where one can see onesself, where one can make adjustments and edits before presenting a finished piece to the world - he seems to masterfully improvise.  Leading when necessary, following when led. Swirling back graciously to vibe in the background when the music is in a foreign tongue (sometimes quite literally).  He changes his role in life from strict dance teacher to inspired choreographer, from main dancer/singer/visual/center to supportive and barely-there backup dancer, so naturally that Kun thinks Ten doesn't even realize how amazing this chameleon skill of his actually is.

But while his thoughts are reeling with his own analogy that's gone so far he's starting to confuse himself, he's abruptly interrupted by a swift and strong tug.  Before he knows it, he's on his hands and knees, half above a Ten who is now propped up on elbows and absolutely cackling with his head thrown back.  The rich, warm sound of his laugh pirouettes all around them.  Kun can only stare in disbelief before he scoffs out a laugh and shoves Ten's shoulder, hard but playful. Ten just collapses back down to the floor, back to his first position, continuing his laughing fit.  Kun thuds down, laying on his side, finding Ten's laughter contagious despite himself.  

"Rude!" Kun tries to sound indignant through stiffled giggles.

"Oh c'mon Kun, you've been spacing out for a while now!  Someone had to wake you up!"  Ten rolls to his side to face Kun, his laughter dying down now but his vibrant, accomplished smile remaining.

"Yeah, I guess I have been in need of a wakeup call. Thanks." Kun smiles back sweetly. "You're done for today, right? Let's head back home, come on!" He grunts while sitting up, but gets a bit of a head rush from the quick motion, and stays in a sitting position for a while, arms propped on his bent knees.

Ten rolls up languidly and sits with one hand propping himself up, legs both tucked to one side and his torso twisted a bit to face the boy sitting to his right.  He extends his free hand toward Kun, ruffling his hair a bit before shifting his hand down to Kun's shoulder. This position brings their faces closer, and he can look into Kun's eyes with a bit more seriousness.

"Really though, is everything okay? Where has your brain gone to today? Is that big head empty or what?" he keeps his tone light and teasing, shaking Kun's shoulder a bit, but anyone who knows Ten as well as Kun does (which, to be fair, isn't many people) would know that concern is tinging his motions.

Kun suddenly can't meet his eyes, and instead stares down at his own feet. Always so used to being the one to do the comforting, he tends to feel strange when others show this kind of care for him.  He appreciates it, it makes him feel like the love he so constantly and warmly gives out is being returned, but at the same time he never knows quite how to thank others for it. Realizing he still needs to give Ten an answer before he really starts to become concerned, he decides on a hint of the truth. Kun never was good at lying, and Ten especially has a knack for seeing right through him.

"I was just mesmerized by what a great dancer you are." the half-truth mixed in with a compliment in a teasing tone should be enough for Ten to let him off the hook.  But Ten is always sharper than expected, and so quick to tease everyone, most epecially their group's leader.

"But I hadn't even been dancing for the past, like, 10 minutes? And you were still spacing out that whole time. Was I that good!?" Ten raises an eyebrow and mockingly gasps, shifting his weight to place his hand on his chest in dramatic feigned shock while his other hand still rests on Kun's shoulder.

Kun is finally able to meet his eyes again, and sees something mischevious in Ten's.  It exhillarates him like it always does, and this time he decides to be more like Ten, improvise some choreography on the fly.  Reveal the discovery that he had originally planned on hiding - and why not?  Was it so secret?

"Ten...you're always dancing." Kun's heart pounds with this admission, but he's able to keep his aloof guise.  He had managed a deep and nonchalant half-whisper, and his face decides not to betray him, holding an easy - even flirty - smirk.

Ten seems to be...affected.  He tries not to show it, but the way his eyes briefly search Kun's face, and his hand, still on Kun's shoulder, noticibly tightens and then loosenes again as he catches himself - it's too obvious to Kun.

They've never done this dance before, the steps totally unknown and foreign.  Who would lead, and would the other follow?

"So," Ten smirks back, having recovered quickly enough, but his voice doesn't seem to boast his usual confidence as he continues, "does that mean you're always mesmerized by me?" He pulls off a coy, coaxing smile.

"Pfft." Kun dismisses, grabbing Ten's hand to move it from his shoulder so he can stand up. He keeps a loose grip on Ten's wrist as he does so, pulling the dancer up after him. Once they're standing, his hand lingers there a beat longer than really necessary, and he lightly presses his thumb into Ten's pulse point before sliding his fingers down the length of Ten's hand as he lets it go.

He tries not to turn around too quickly as he makes his way toward the door.  With his back to Ten he lets his expression go a bit, eyes widening and mouth parting, in disbelief of his own actions, his impromptu dance number.  In disbelief of the pounding heartbeat he had inadvertantly felt under his thumb - surely it was his own and not Ten's?

As he opens the door, he hears Ten let out a breath he must have been holding as he continues to stand motionless right where Kun left him.  Kun schools his face back into something more blasé, even tries for a slightly seductive tone as he glances over his shoulder.

"Coming?" he breathes the word out, light and airy as his gaze trails up Ten with narrowed eyes.

He sees Ten's jaw drop slightly, and he's unsure whether it's in shock or just that he was intending to respond to the question, words lost somewhere between his parted lips.  It's all Kun can do to turn his head back around before he grins widely.  He's never felt this confident before, and it's a bit intoxicating.  He steps out the door and lets it start to fall closed instead of holding it open like his polite self usually would, hearing a surprised exclamation from Ten followed by rushed steps to catch it.

Ten catches up to Kun where he's already several steps down the hallway. Unexpectedly, Ten stays a pace or two behind. He'd normally be bounding up to Kun and linking arms, or blazing forward and pulling Kun along. But right now, as the air is filled with a certain tension and curiousity, Ten follows.

Kun could get used to this kind of dance.

Chapter Text

Ten knows he's beautiful. When he dances.

He sees the looks of wonder and awe when he's on stage, sees the attraction and even the occasional thinly-veiled lust.  He's confident in his abilities, and unafraid to push the envelope, sometimes going so far as to garner looks of shock and fear as he bends his body in unnatural ways for the sake of his physical storytelling.  He knows even that which is revolting can be beautiful, when looking at the bigger picture.

He feels the same way about art, often drawing things that others might call gory, violent, or dark.  But to him it's not so simple - it's not so black and white (even when it is).  It's...art.  It's--

"Beautiful."

He startles, looking up from where he had been absently drawing on his iPad in a meditative state as he let his mind wander.  Kun is smiling down at the drawing, headphones over his ears as he sits two seats down from Ten - apparently pleased with either the drawing or the fact that he's psychic and is finishing Ten's thoughts for him.  Ten really hopes it's the former.

Looking back down Ten realizes he doesn't even know what he was drawing, and finds it's indeed something leaning more towards macabre.  It appears to be a person under a spotlight, surrounded by a darkness that's filled with eerie faces and disembodied pairs of eyes.  Anyone but himself would find it creepy, would neglect to see the elegance and poise of the performer, would fail to notice that some of the apparitions have a vague look of adoration.  Light and darkness are playing together.

He finally registers what Kun said.  

"Beautiful?" Ten asks, looking up again across the empty seat between them, but Kun is facing forward now with his eyes closed, seemingly immersed in whatever he's listening to.  He didn't hear Ten.  And isn't it just like Kun to give a compliment so easily, not expecting anything in return.

Ten is staring at his profile, still somewhat baffled.  He thought he had Kun all figured out - that is, until recently.  

Because that look Ten is used to expecting when he's on stage, the look of awe and reverence, he has slowly started noticing it from Kun lately.  Now, that isn't necessarily unusual - the members are often impressed with Ten's skill and open about their respect for his performances, even going so far as to cheer and call his stage persona cool or sexy.  But Ten has spotted Kun with a hint of that look at completely random times.  When he's talking, laughing, teasing one of the younger members, playing with Bella, trying to bribe Louis and Leon into doing tricks, he's subconciously felt Kun's eyes on him in a way they've never been before.

But just as soon as this unusual behaviour on Kun's part finally came to the forefront of Ten's attention - one day a couple weeks back when they were the last two in the practice room - it was gone again just like that.  Replaced with something else that Ten is having a hard time wrapping his head around.  An inexplicable and totally uncalled for confidence, like Kun knows something he doesn't, is holding something over him.

"EARTH. TO. TEN!!!" Yangyang suddenly whisper-yells in his face as he clambers over him into the van and plops his lanky form down right in Ten's line of sight - right in between him and Kun.  

Ten had forgotten where they were for a minute there, waiting in the van after a schedule while YangYang was using the restroom.  He's in the second row of seats, with the '99 liners blissfully napping in the back row and Winwin sitting up front playing some mobile game.

He looks at Yangyang with an unimpressed glare, while someone in the back drawls "Huuushh, maann!" in their sleep, disturbed by the youngest's boistrous entrance.  Yangyang giggles at them, and then turns to stare expectantly at Ten with a small smile, while Ten just stares back, confused.  The maknae finally sighs, leaning awkwardly past Ten to slide the van door shut himself.

"Dude, why are you so spaced out lately?" Yangyang chimes amusedly as the van finally starts rolling.  At the words "spaced out" Ten's eyes twitch to Kun. That's how he had described Kun that day in the practice room, and Ten's worried he might hear and tease him for the tables being turned.  But then he remembers Kun is lost in headphone-land, and they're speaking in English anyway.  He doubts Kun would recognize the slang phrase.

"Whatever, dude. Why did you take so long anyway? Baby needed a diaper change?" Ten jabs back, trying to sound teasing instead of mean, but he really just wants to get back to his thoughts.  Luckily Yangyang takes the joke, pulling a fake pout and lightly shoving him before leaning forward to bother to Winwin instead.

Through the now empty space where Yangyang had just been, Ten's gaze falls back on the person causing him to be irritable in the fisrt place.  He huffs at the peaceful look on Kun's face, and decides to pop his own earbuds in too, leaning back a bit and closing his eyes.  Maybe he can get a nap in.

His thoughts, of course, drift back to this strange difference in Kun.  The thing is, Kun has every reason to be confident - he's good at everything.  He's an amazing leader, a caring friend, a good cook.  His musical talent is overwhelming - from his dulcet vocals to his moving compositions and powerful arrangements, Ten adores dancing to the lovely soundscapes that Kun weaves into creation.  Ten might be the more accomplished dancer, but Kun's skills are nothing to scoff at either.  And while Ten has two additional languages on him, Kun's Korean sounds so fluent and effortless to him - he can't even detect an accent, unlike his own very obviously Thai pronuncation that he hopes comes across as endearing (fans and native NCT members assure him it does).  

When it comes to physical beauty, Kun glows.  His smile can light up a room, lift everyone's spirits, and inspire ruthless teasing from those who obviously just can't handle how much he shines.  His duality between soft and sharp is so unusual and hypnotic, the two opposing aesthetics blending in a way that just works - rounded features contrasted by bold, angled brows and a defined jaw, lithe form tucked into tight, ripped jeans countered with an oversized hoodie, sweater paws and all - even Ten has found himself staring on more than one occasion.

For all these reasons and more, Kun should be confident.  And he is, when he needs to be.  Those who know Kun well, like his six closest friends, know it doesn't come naturally to him.  He's one of the more vulnerable members of their group, always the first to lower his walls when he feels comfortable enough to do so.  It makes it all the more impressive that he can draw up his confident persona when it counts, when he's representing the group in meetings with producers or creative teams, when he's proudly introducing his WayV family to NCT members they haven't met yet, when he's assuring a homesick group mate that everything is going to be alright.

So it's not that Ten is upset about this confidence, on the contrary - Ten has always found this facet of Kun particularly magnetic.  Especially when they're performing, in front of fans, in front of cameras. When Kun is fully in his element, singing to music he wrote, surrounded by people he loves, Ten knows that glowing aura and commanding presence is no longer just a front.  It's in those moments that it electrifies him the most, pulling him into Kun's alluring orbit, making it feel like he's dancing just for Kun.  But that part of Kun has never been solely directed at Ten before.  And now that it is, Ten doesn't really know how to handle it.

Ten shudders, and he doesn't know if it's from his thoughts or from the strange draft he's started feeling.  He shakes it off, Whatever, this is ridiculous.  This is like some kind of cat and mouse game.  And I'm definitely a cat, right? he breathes out a smug, soundless laugh through his nose, and feels his confidence boost back up as he vaguely registers shifting sounds in the van, lost in his reverie.

Suddenly, he feels a warm hand on his knee, another at his shoulder, and a puff of hot breath on the side of his face, like someone is leaning in.  Ever slow to act, he takes his earbud out lazily, getting ready to swat Yangyang away.  But just as he opens his eyes, he hears a taunting voice in imperfect English, too close to his ear.

"Earth. to. Ten~~."

He snaps his head to the right just in time to see Kun's cocky smile before the van door slides shut in his face.  A muffled, deep laugh trails off as he stares at his own reflection in the tinted window, looking pathetically shocked.  Realizing he's been left alone in the van, and that Kun has caught him off guard twice now, his reflection morphs into a pout as he speaks out loud to no one in particular.

"But I'M the cat..."

...right!?

-----

Deleted Scene:

Hendery wakes up to the sound of the van door closing, finding himself alone in the back seat with only Ten left in the van. Before he's fully awake, Hendery hears Ten say something strange.

"Wait, Ten ge, you're a cat!?  I KNEW IT!!"

"Yes, and you're a donkey. You got ditched too?  Let's go get tteokbokki without those jerks."

Hendery smiles wide, feeling a lot more awake with the prospect of food.

"Okay, but you have to tell me about your magical Animorph powers over dinner."

15 minutes later, Hendery is still begging Ten to transform in front of him as they ride up the dorm elevator, carrying seven to-go containers brimming with delicous food.

Chapter Text

Kun walks away from the van laughing to himself. He doesn't know what's come over him, he would normally be appalled with himself if he closed a door in someone's face. But the look on Ten's face, even if he could barely see it through their heavily tinted windows, was so worth it.

As he reaches the door of their building, he sees Ten and Hendery hop out of the van and head off down the street, probably going to one of their nearby favorite spots for food. He'd like to believe that Ten also needs the extra time to calm down from what just occurred.

Kun sends a quick message in their group chat that they'd better get food for everyone. The rest of the boys chime in with menu requests, and Hendery replies with a sticker of a cat winking and pointing finger guns. Kun can only hope it means they'll be bringing back dinner.

Finally back in the dorm after a long day, he plops down on the couch while everyone else fights over who gets to shower first. He doesn't mind waiting, he's in such a good mood lately, mostly thanks to his recent epiphany.

You see, Kun has discovered it feels incredibly freeing to be honest with yourself. Kun finds Ten beautiful. Not just when he's dancing, but all the time. He knows that realizing this, fully admitting it to himself, should probably be scary or worrisome but he can't help but feel euphoric. It's as if a weight has been lifted, or an obscured, blurry picture has suddenly become crisp and clear, pleasing to the eye.

Kun's also discovered that he finds Ten's flustered face particularly addictive. He finds himself plotting how he can elicit the responses he's begun to crave from Ten - the way his cheeks are momentarily dusted in a soft pink, his eyelashes flutter as he blinks rapidly, his lips part soundlessly in shock. It's a heady feeling to know that he can even draw out this kind of reaction in the first place, that he has that power.

What Kun hasn't fully understood is what this all means about himself, but he honestly doesn't feel any need to figure that out. He's attracted to Ten, and that's all he really needs to know for now. As far as Ten's preferences, he's never officially told the group anything, but he's also never shied away from obvious remarks and actions either. Kun is pretty certain he's had experiences with some of their NCT members - though he doesn't know to what extent - and he wonders about SuperM too. It's no secret how much Ten looks up to Taemin as a dancer, and Kun has always wondered if there was something more to his admiration, wondered if it was reciprocated at some point during all the time SuperM spent touring and filming together.

Kun leans his head back into the couch and lets his gaze unfocus on the ceiling, wanting to think about this more, to further unpack his feelings. What if something did happen between Ten and Taemin, or any other person, recently?  How does he feel about it...jealous? Upset? Resentful? He starts to imagine the two together, and all he knows is that he's starting to feel too warm. With two such talented dancers, who would lead? He remembers the way Taemin lifted Ten up in a video clip after they danced together to one of his songs. Kun must've replayed it 50 times when he first saw it, and that thought makes something click. He's not jealous. It's a similar sensation to how he feels when NCT members get more lines than him, when someone else is picked for a subunit over him. He's happy for them, of course, excited for them, but also wants so badly to be them. He feels an incredible longing as he pictures himself there, in the music video, on the stage. Wonders what it feels like for them. He pictures himself lifting up Ten just like Taemin did.

His hand tightens where it rests against his thigh. Fingers catch on threads, nails digging into his skin through one of the aesthetically placed rips in his tight jeans. He can feel how warm his skin feels compared to his hands that had recently been out in the cold air. Can feel himself slipping slightly out of control and is a little glad that by the time it's his turn to shower, the water will most likely be cold.  He lets his nails press harder into his thigh to regain some semblance of lucid thought, but he's not sure if the mild pain is serving to help him or just dragging him further under. Maybe he should move to his room...Yangyang had followed Lucas and Winwin into their room and Xiaojun is currently in the shower so--

The keypad to the front door sounds, and Kun braces himself for the blast of cold air. It makes his scalp tingle, or maybe that's the sound of Ten's melodic laugh as he and Hendery crowd into the entryway with several bags. Kun arches his neck even further back on the couch to gaze at them, upside down. His vision is still slightly unfocused, causing the entryway light to give off an ethereal glow behind them.

"Go set this all up in the kitchen and then maybe I'll show you," Ten laughs an order at Hendery, who looks unnaturally eager to please.

"I'm on it right meow!" Hendery wiggles his eyebrows, grabbing all the bags from Ten and rushing off. Ten is taking his time removing his coat, hanging it nicely, removing his shoes, even arranging the messy pile all the others left their stuff in when they burst through the door earlier. Kun doesn't know if he's intentionally putting on a show or just stalling, or if he even knows that Kun is watching him. He doesn't wait to find out.

"Ten," Kun calls softly, not actually wanting to startle him this time, his voice low from the way his neck is stretched.

"Kun ge," Ten answers easily before glancing over, he must have already known Kun was there in the darkened living room. Everyone had scattered so quickly earlier, and Kun didn't bother to turn on any lights before he sat down. As Ten approaches, the automatic light in the entryway shuts off, leaving only the light from the kitchen around the corner casting a dim glow on them.

Ten stops, standing just behind the couch, staring down at Kun. He's within reach, Kun's brain supplies for some unfathomable reason.

"You only call me that when you want something," Kun replies to the use of the honorific. Ten swallows, and Kun finds himself staring at the movement of his throat. On reflex Kun swallows as well, mirror-neurons firing into action. He notices how Ten's eyes trail to his throat, and then away again almost reluctantly. Maybe it's just the lighting, but Ten's eyes look incredibly dark and Kun feels a little like he's falling into them, the odd angle he's at adding to the sensation.

"Maybe I do want something," Ten says, and Kun could swear it came out like a purr. Ten's gaze drifts down to where Kun's fingers are still tangled in the ripped denim threads at his thigh, his expression a little curious.

Kun finally sits up in order to see what Ten is looking at. He pulls his hand away and wonders if Ten can see the red marks his nails had left behind in this dim lighting. He turns around to kneel on the couch and face Ten properly, forearms resting on the back of it. He feels a little dizzy from the motion, from the electrified air buzzing between them, from the darkness of the room that's making this moment feel surreal - like it doesn't count, like it's a dream.

"And what is it you maybe want?" Kun questions, and his heart is in his throat but his blood is elsewhere.

They hear Hendery's footsteps approaching but neither of them can quite look away, locked in a staring match unlike any they've had before, gazes flitting between plush lips, flushed cheeks, dark eyes. As the steps get closer - Hendery must be right around the corner - Kun dares to lean in close to Ten with a warm whisper.

"Hmm? Cat's got your tongue?"

Kun pulls away, seeing Ten shiver, right as Hendery flips on the living room light.

"What are you guys doing in the dark? Food's all set out and ready to eat!" he gives them a questioning look as he heads towards the hall, pounding on the bathroom door on his way to the occupied bedroom to round up the rest of the members.

Kun's eyes still haven't left Ten, who had blinked and squinted when the light was turned on, seemingly snapped out of whatever altered state they had shared in that dark, still moment. His eyes had followed Hendery down the hall and just came back to land on Kun again. In that moment, Kun saw a spark of resolve in Ten's eyes.

"You wanna know what I want?" Ten said with a coy smile, motioning Kun to lean in close again. Kun was caught a bit off guard, not expecting their conversation to actually continue in the direction it had been going. Nonetheless, Kun leans in expectantly.

"I want..." Ten begins in a sultry whisper, staring at Kun's lips, "to eat dinner!" he finishes with a laugh, and hops off towards the kitchen.

Just before walking out of sight, he turns back to Kun and puts on an effortlessly smoldering look, pushing his long hair back with one hand.

"Coming?" he says breathily, holding the burning expression just long enough to round the corner before he absolutely cackles.

Something ignites in Kun at the way Ten is gleefully mocking his actions from the other day, the day this whole push-and-pull game started. He laughs quietly to himself as he stalks deliberately into the kitchen, knowing once again he only has a few seconds before the rest of them swarm in to descend upon their food. Ten has his back facing him, grabbing a cup from the cabinet. Kun is relieved to see it's a plastic one, as it would've been a pain to clean up broken glass...

----

Ten is proud of himself, catching Kun off guard for the first time in two weeks, turning the tables back around on him. He's also feeling a bit exhilarated at the look of anger that flashed on Kun's face in reaction to his teasing. He can hear a wry laugh sound from around the corner, hear measured steps approaching. He scrambles to look nonchalant, reaching into a cabinet to grab a cup right as he feels a commanding presence behind him.

Ten feels a sharp tug of his hair and his stomach drops deliciously. The next thing he registers is the plastic cup he was holding clattering to the floor. Kun's hand is tangled in his hair right at the base of his skull where he had grabbed a handfull and pulled. It was just harsh enough to hurt, well within the realm of the rough-housing they're all used to inflicting on one another, but this time the effect is entirely different. Ten feels like Kun has him right where he wants him - eyes wide, knees weak, and a small ghost of a whimper escaping his lips as Kun presses him into the counter from behind.

"I dare you to mock me again," Kun says calmly, if a little breathlessly. Ten tries hard not to utterly collapse, not to press back into Kun for support.

"Oh yeah? What are you gonna do about it?" he barely manages to sound indignant. Kun responds with a harsher pull of his hair, and Ten's whimper this time is loud, bordering on a moan. He digs his teeth into his own bottom lip to keep from making any more compromising noises.

"Wanna find out, kitten?" Kun says, so close Ten is pretty sure he felt his lips lightly brush the side of his neck. The combination of that sensation and the pet name has Ten's knees buckling entirely, and he finds himself kneeling with one hand clinging onto the edge of the counter. At the same time Kun lets go and backs off, turning to leave the room right as the rest of the members enter the kitchen, Xiaojun bringing up the rear, drying his hair off with a towel.

"Kun ge, aren't you gonna eat? I thought you were starving?" Lucas asks, unable to fathom how someone could be leaving the kitchen when it's full of delicious food.

"I'm gonna shower first, you guys go ahead," he gestures at the table, "Save me some, though! And we'll save you some hot water."

Ten looks up at Kun like a lost lamb, overwhelmed by what just happened and the sudden commotion right afterwards, not registering what he just implied. Kun is looking down at him expectantly from the doorway of the kitchen, one hand on the threshold.

"Coming?" he questions pointedly before sauntering off.

Now everyone else is looking curiously at Ten where he's still kneeling on the floor as they settle in around the table. He meets their questioning eyes and laughs awkwardly, one hand shooting out to pick up the cup before standing up.

"I dropped... I'm just gonna go with... to--to save the hot water..." he trips over a mix of Mandarin and English as he backs out of the kitchen, before coming back in to set the cup that's still in his hand down on the table. He mumbles something to himself before following off after Kun, his legs still lightly trembling.

----

Deleted Scene

"Did he just say, 'I guess I'm a kitten'?" Lucas parrots the English he heard, sending a quizzical look to Hendery who was sitting nearest to him.

"Ten's an Animorph" Hendery says around a bite of tteokbokki without even looking up, waving his hand dismissively.

"Ahhh," Lucas looks contemplative as he chews. He suddenly snaps his fingers, eyes going wide as he says excitedly, "Tiger Inside?!"

"EXACTLY!" Hendery is excited now that someone else is going along with his ridiculous joke.

"I speak like, four languages, and I still have no idea what you guys are talking about." Yangyang says dryly, while Xiaojun and Winwin just exchange glances and shake their heads, digging into their food.

Chapter Text

Kun walks down the hall, hyper-aware of the lack of presence behind him, but as he reaches the bathroom door he finally hears footsteps following.

He enters the bathroom, being sure to leave the door just slightly ajar - easy enough to be pulled closed in rejection of his offer, even easier to be pushed open. He's really hoping for the latter.

Kun catches his own reflection in the mirror and is taken aback at what he sees. He had forgotten he still had makeup on from their schedule, but it's a little smudged around the eyes from when he was "napping" in the van. What had already been a smokey look is now working to add a bit of an unhinged air to him, along with the way his previously slicked back hair has become disheveled, a large section of the ash-blonde strands falling on his face. No wonder Ten had looked a little frightened. He smirks at that thought, and the Kun he sees reflected in the mirror feels so unlike himself...instead it's Kun from a music video, Kun from a photo shoot - Kun who is about to wreck Ten.

He takes a brief moment to try and think as clearly as he possibly can, given how turned on he is. Does he want this? Yes, god yes. Does he know what he's doing? Not really, but he trusts himself and he trusts Ten who he is pretty sure has more experience, who he knows for a fact will stop him if he needs to. And, does Ten want this? He's about to find out.

He hears the doorknob jostle, and knows this is the moment of truth. To his delight, the door sways open slowly, cautiously. He's situated himself to the side of the door so he won't be seen right away, and watches as Ten oh-so-carefully and quietly enters the bathroom.

Ten sees Kun's reflection before he actually sees Kun. Kun is behind him, staring at him with what can only be described as a predatory gaze. He watches mirror-Kun reach a hand out to slide along the door, pushing it closed, reaching the lock and turning it with an echoing click, all without taking his eyes off the back of Ten. It feels surreal to watch Kun through the mirror, like an out-of-body experience, like it's not actually Ten he's staring at. But within moments that feeling is gone as Kun sharply brings Ten back into his body, grabbing him, pulling him towards the wall, pressing him into it - all in one fluid, dizzying motion, like a dance.

Kun holds himself a foot or so away, but it looks like he wants to be closer, like there's an invisible force field holding him back against his will and he's fighting it. Ten hopes he wins.

"Did I hurt you?" Kun asks, softly running the fingers of his left hand just above the nape of Ten's neck, right where he had pulled his hair before. The gentleness of the motion is heavily contrasted by the near animalistic look in Kun's eyes - Ten half expects Kun to snap his teeth at him.

"Yes," Ten responds, and it takes a deep inhale and all of his self control to not sound breathless as he adds, "but not enough..."

As soon as the words leave Ten's mouth, something in Kun snaps. He pulls, hard, on Ten's hair and surges forward, pressing their bodies together, their faces now just inches apart. Ten moans at the tug and Kun responds in kind with a low groan. He releases Ten's hair, sliding his hand down to grip the side of his neck, lightly pressing his thumb into Ten's throat. Ten's eyes widen, his breath quickens, and Kun stares into his eyes and knows he has to make certain before going any farther.

"You like a little pain then?"

"Mmm."

"That's not an answer," his hand tightens slightly on Ten's neck.

"Yes, Kun ge," Ten can't help his breathlessness now, not with the way his airway is being partially restricted, not with the way this is absolutely perfect for him, exactly what he needs.

"And you want this? You want...me?" Kun slighty hesitates before asking the last part. Consciously he knows Ten wants him, how could he not tell in this situation? But subconsciously this is all so new and uncertain and taboo that he wants, he needs, confirmation.

Ten smirks and knows he needs to answer seriously despite wanting to tease Kun a bit, "God, yes - please."

Kun leans in to his ear, lips skimming across his cheek on the way, "Tell me if it's too much?"

"Of course."

At that, Kun pulls back and smiles - not a smirk, not teasingly, but a beautiful, reassured smile with his dimples on full display. He moves his hand to cup Ten's cheek gently, and brings his right hand to mirror the movement. Held like this, Ten's face flushes and his heart stutters. There's that startled look that Kun loves. He leans close to Ten again as his smile slowly dissolves, is looking into Ten's eyes, is staring at his lips. Oh, Ten thinks. Some silly part of him didn't realize that a kiss is what naturally comes next, and he finds his heart beating faster than a hummingbird at the thought of it, pounding against his ribcage. His eyes sink to Kun's plush lips, slightly parted, waiting - and that glance is all the approval Kun needs to push forward that last couple inches.

It's electric, the simple press of their lips together, and then a moment later Kun pulls away just enough to tease the edge of Ten's bottom lip with the tip of his tongue, like a whisper of warning before pulling it between his teeth and biting it. Ten's knees are getting weak again, and he moves his hands that had been pressed to the wall, slides them over Kun's shoulders and rests his arms there around Kun's neck. Just as Kun releases his lip, Ten pulls Kun further into him while their lips are both still parted, their tongues finally meeting. Ten makes a low, strained whimper at the contact.

If the feeling before was electric, kissing this way is magnetic. Their tongues dance around each other for long, drawn out moments, almost never separating except to briefly break the kiss, inhale sharply, and join again. In one of these short interludes, Kun remembers they're supposed to be showering. He pulls fully away this time, but the whine it elicits as Ten leans forward to chase the kiss makes Kun laugh. He pushes Ten's shoulders to press him back against the wall.

"Fuck, so good," Ten mumbles before trying to move forward again, but Kun tightens his grip on him and keeps him in place. A tingling fear response runs through Ten at the sensation of being held still, of being caught. He loves it.

"We're supposed to be showering, let me at least turn the water on," Kun explains.

Ten takes a couple seconds to catch his breath before nodding in agreement. Kun leans in briefly to kiss Ten's cheekbone, light and soft - as if he hadn't just been kissing him devastatingly - before releasing him and walking towards the shower. Ten hopes Kun didn't notice the way he slumped against the wall, the way he might have fallen if it wasn't behind him.

Kun turns the shower on, leaving the water cold and just barely running. He feels bad for wasting it this way but at least he can minimize the amount and save the hot water. As he's about to turn around he hears Ten, breathing much more steadily now and apparently recovered enough to sound bossy.

"Use the cold water only, so the others will--"

"I know, I already did," Kun cuts him off, smiling at how they think so alike when it comes to taking care of others. Ten doesn't show it often, always teasing and joking, but he cares so deeply for the people he loves. He shows it in subtle actions, thoughtful gifts, quiet loyalty and gentle support - ways that you might miss if you're not paying close attention. Kun always notices, is always paying close attention to Ten. For much, much longer than the past couple weeks, he now realizes. He wonders why Ten is so guarded with his feelings, and makes a mental note to ask him about it at some point.

Kun's back in front of Ten, smiling beautifully, and Ten can't help but smile back. They take a moment to softly laugh and just be in each other's presence, close, comfortable, hands gently roaming each other's arms, shoulders, chests. Neither of them know exactly where things are going from here, but they're excited to find out.

Just as Kun is leaning back in to ravage Ten with kisses and maybe take things a step further, there's a loud rumbling sound emitting from between them. Ten's eyes go impossibly wide and his face pales in embarrassment. His stomach had growled, is still growling, in a long drawn out grumble. Kun laughs and holds Ten's face in his hands again with a look of utter fondness.

"Oh, pretty little thing! You really did want to eat dinner, didn't you?" he says sweetly, adoringly, and the color comes back to Ten's face in a warm flush that Kun can feel under his fingertips. Ten looks down, unable to meet Kun's eyes at the moment.

"I mean, I haven't even eaten since before the schedule. They only had disgusting fruit in the waiting room!" Ten says, his tone getting increasingly petulant at the mention of his mortal enemy.

"I'm so sorry, I should have realized! I've been so caught up thinking about you, that I forgot to, uh, think about you?" Kun confuses himself with his own sentence, but Ten knows what he means. Kun is always noticing how much the members are eating - or rather not eating - and pulling bags of snacks from thin air like one of his magic tricks whenever he sees that someone has gone more than a few hours between meals.

"You go eat first, I'll take a super fast shower and be right out to join you. Just tell them you changed your mind," Kun offers, adding after a beat, "We can continue this later, if you want."

"I do want. Okay, be fast so you can come eat together with us," Ten glances down pointedly before continuing, "and probably leave just the cold water on..." He smirks and makes sure to brush too close to Kun before slipping out the door with a sly wink.

Kun had jolted and nearly moaned when the back of Ten's fingers brushed against the zipper of his pants. Standing alone in the bathroom now, he looks down and isn't quite surprised to see himself straining against his tight jeans. He sighs, and the newly blossoming sadistic side of him wonders if he should have just kept going despite Ten being hungry. Lucky for Ten, his polite and well mannered side balks at the very thought.

Well. Cold shower it is, then.

Chapter Text

Ten sits down at the table with no fanfare, grabs a takeout container and starts digging in. His hair is dry, if a little disheveled. His skin is obviously not scrubbed clean - if the errant makeup smudges are anything to judge by - but it's flushed as if he were just in a steamy shower. He ignores 4 pairs of eyes staring at him confusedly, 4 pairs of chopsticks paused in various positions - some held between lips, some plunging after a juicy red length of tteokbokki, some pointed at a greasy, empty box in accusation of theft, some held in the air mid-innocent shrug. He had walked into a loud and boisterous conversation, and it would be dead silence right now if not for the way Lucas was completely unfazed by his entrance, still shoveling food into his mouth and mumbling about how delicous it is (for some reason, in Korean - Ten thinks maybe it's so the tteokkbokki itself can understand).

Lucas finally looks up, and something about him has Ten a little on edge. His smile is a bit too gleeful, and has a hint of a knowing smirk hiding in it. It widens into something more playful as he glances between the members, who have slowly started eating again, and looks back at Ten with what seems like duplicitous curiousity. His head tilts like a big, confused puppy while he chews and swallows the last enormous bite he had taken.

"Weren't you going to shower? With Kun ge?" Lucas asks seemingly on behalf of everyone, with the way they're all looking at him again. And is that a hint of smugness Ten hears in his voice? You can never tell with Lucas, he's so good at masking things behind a childlike and good-natured exterior. It's not that he's prentending to be those things, just that everything filters through that genuine surface level of his being. Even the deeper, darker things - or in this case, even the strange, smug, knowningness he's subtly exuding. Ten wonders if the others are picking up on it. He's spent so much more time around Lucas lately than they have, what with SuperM promotions, but then again Lucas rooms with Winwin, the '99 line as a whole is tight, and Yangyang has a way of ingratiating himself with all of them. It's entirely possible they're intuiting the same feeling that Ten is from Lucas. His pulse mildly quickens and he's not entirely sure if it's due to the embarrassment of potentially being caught...or excitement for the same reason. Either way, he doesn't know whether Kun is okay with the members having suspicions, so he decides he should deflect. He puts on his best mean, teasing tone with practiced ease.

"That fatass? He was gonna hog all the water. I'd rather be the last and take a cold shower," now that he thinks about it, he's probably going to need one too if he wants to be able to fall asleep at all tonight. Kun had mentioned continuing their little game later, but realistically, when could that possibly happen? Even when they don't have a very busy promotion schedule, they live half in the dorms and half in the practice room - neither of which affords them any semblance of privacy. Kun's tiny, dark studio is an option, but is a bit cramped and doesn't have a lock on the door (and although that thought causes a pleasant tremor to move through Ten, he knows it's a bad idea). He suddenly realizes the opportunity he's missed and looks sullenly at the tteokbokki he'd traded for a good time.

"Who are you calling a fatass?" Kun asks in mock offense, and almost simultaneously, before Ten can turn around and make another quip, he snaps the wet towel he'd just been using to dry off his hair. It cracks in the air inches away from Ten's right ear, deafening and thrilling. Ten has to scramble to hide what would have been an embarrassing reaction.

"ASSHOLE, YOU'LL SCARE THE CATS!" he yells, protectively scooping up Leon who had been sitting on a chair next to him, and was certainly more startled by Ten's yelling than Kun's towel.

"That was the whole point, Leon was in my seat," Kun happily sits down in the now empty chair next to Ten. Amidst their bickering the rest of the group had resumed eating, chatting and stealing each other's food, Lucas still grinning to himself as he turns his attention back to his meal. Kun leans closer to Ten and mumbles a quiet, insincere apology "Sorry, did I scare the kitten?"

Ten looks scandalized for a second before realizing that even if Kun's low voice could be heard over the general din of conversation, they probably wouldn't think he was referring to Ten. He glances around to see that no one is really paying them much attention before deciding to retaliate. He places his hand on Kun's thigh, right where he had remembered seeing self-inflicted scratch marks through the rip in his jeans earlier. Of course Kun is now wearing comfortable sweatpants, but Ten has a remarkable sense of spatial awareness and is confident he's hit the right spot when he squeezes, lightly digging his nails in through the soft fabric, and Kun's eyebrows knit slightly. He wonders if Kun enjoys the sensation the same way he would, or if it's more of an annoyance to him. In the past, people didn't always appreciate the way he likes to tease and fight back, the way he enjoys inflicting pain, sometimes almost as much as he enjoys receiving it. In the best cases it'd earn him a punishment, but in the worst it would turn them off entirely. Over time he's learned how to test people this way, so he'll know early on if they really only want someone docile and easily submissive - someone he can't be.

He realizes he's holding his breath as he studies Kun's face for any further reaction. After the initial wince, Kun's expression went blank in a way that's scarier than anger. He's staring back at Ten now with this expressionless visage, and Ten's starting to get nervous. He really should take a breath, and suddenly he does inhale, sharply, as Kun wraps his hand around Ten's wrist to remove the grip from his thigh. Ten tenses in anticipation of some sort of retribution - harsh words, a bruising grip, a pain that's unwelcome in a way he's never been able to explain, as someone who usually welcomes it.

But Kun still hasn't reacted, aside from moving Ten's hand away. He's still holding his wrist lightly, looking into his eyes. Ten is sure Kun can feel his heartbeat, can see his panicked look and feel the sweat start rise out of his pores where their skin meets. He's terrified that Kun will misread him, think he's excited rather than apprehensive, but he can't blame him. How could he with all that's just happened between them, with the fact that he asked Kun for pain. The fact that even this same exact situation would be fine but something about the mood right now, about the train of his thoughts, the people in his past, is making him feel vulnerable and raw in a way he hates and if Kun does anything now it won't be--

Time seems to slow down as Kun adjusts his grip, ever-so-lightly scratching Ten's skin as he moves his hand, and then links their fingers together. Ten looks down at their interlocked hands under the table and back up at Kun, who is looking back at him with his head slightly tilted forward and eyebrows lifted, in an obvious unspoken question of Are you okay?

Ten sighs in relief, smiles and blinks, shaking his head at Kun as if to say it's alright. Kun quirks an eyebrow like he doesn't fully believe him, and brings their joined hands above the table to deposit Ten's next to his chopsticks. His now free left hand travels along with his eyes up to Ten's head, where he pats a few times before petting his way down to his neck to give a comforting squeeze and trailing down to his back where it settles. Kun does this sometimes, just gently rests his hand on people in a way that is so full of warmth and care, and Ten realizes it's been a while since he's done this to him. He feels his shoulders relax and he smiles at Kun again, in a way that he hopes portrays his gratefulness.

"Eat, you little thing," Kun smirks at the way Ten's smile turns a bit sheepish as he finally starts eating again. They both know there was an unsaid word in that sentence, that Kun left out the part of the pet name that would be a little too obvious in present company, the one that had Ten blushing in the bathroom more than Kun has ever seen him blush. Kun uses his right hand to deftly open the takeout box in front of him. He uses his teeth to pull his chopsticks out of their paper sheath, and looks puzzled for a second while he figures out how he can break them apart with one hand. He looks back to Ten and shakes the chopsticks at his left hand that's just sitting on the table beside his takeout box. Before Ten knows it he's lifting his hand to grasp the other side of Kun's chopsticks. They both pull and the pair breaks almost perfectly, with a little bit of an uneven split at the very top. Kun laughs and takes the one Ten was holding, taps them on the table to make sure they're lined up, and digs into his food.

Kun continues to eat like that, and doesn't move his hand from Ten's back for the rest of the meal.

-----

After dinner, Kun heads back to his room and plops backwards onto his bed. Ten had departed to his own room first, looking sleepy, with Hendery and the cats following behind him. Xiaojun and Winwin lost a riveting battle of rock, paper, scissors and are stuck with dinner cleanup, while Yangyang gets his turn in the shower. This time of night is always a battle against oneself to not fall asleep before it's your turn to wash up, and Kun's glad that he showered first for once. He drowsily realizes a member is missing from his nightly mental checklist of where everyone is. He knows he'll run through it again once everyone has showered and laid down, but it's still going to bother him. As he sits up to go check, he sees the person in question leaning on the frame of his open door.

"Xuxi? Is everything okay?" Kun is a bit startled by the concerned look Lucas is giving him. It's so rare that he lets his guard down this much. Kun thinks back to dinner and remembers that Lucas had been quieter than normal, starting around the time when...oh. When Ten had looked scared. Kun thought he was the only one who had seen it, and immediately caught on and comforted Ten before anyone noticed the change in the atmosphere around them. But he should have known better, remembered how deceptively observant Lucas is. They debuted in NCT together, and he counts Lucas as one of his closest, dearest friends, but even still he's often taken aback by the depth of Lucas's emotional intelligence.

Lucas had been gazing down at Bella sleeping at the foot of Kun's bed, but he meets Kun's eyes again and there's a hint of the same fear Ten's eyes had held before he successfully covers it with an easy smile. Kun feels like Lucas knows something he doesn't.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just -- I trust you, but just be careful." he hesitates a moment longer like he's going to say something else, but it never comes. He just shrugs and laughs awkwardly before fussing over Bella for a moment and then saying he'd be in his room. He leaves Kun sitting there, confused and a bit worried.

Kun throws his weight back to plop on his bed again, still reeling at Lucas's words and actions. He looks at Bella like she could read his mind as he thinks, And what the fuck was that about?

-----

Ten lays down and thinks he might not shower tonight with how exhausted he feels. He's not just physically drained but also emotionally, with everything that's happened tonight.

For the first time, Ten felt like things were moving too fast for him. And then Kun smiled warmly and made time slow down.

For the first time, he has expectations, and so far Kun is exceeding them.

He feels a strong fear of disappointment and rejection. In a mix of dread and excitement, he comes to the conclusion that this isn't just one of his playful flings. This is something more.

He puts his hands over his face and laughs almost maniacally, he's so happy but so scared at the same time. Hendery walks back into the room to find him in this state, and throws a towel at him.

"It's your turn, psycho," Hendery quips.

And actually, that's exactly what Ten needs right now, a shower to help him relax. A nice, warm--

"By the way, the water's cold already."

"Noooooo, whyyyyy," Ten laments, finally broken out of his weird hysterics, "I'm just not gonna shower at all!"

"Ewww," Hendery pretends to be disgusted.

"Shut up, donkey."

"You know, they say cleanliness is next to godli--ACK!" Hendery is silenced by a pillow flying into his face.

"I said. Shut. UP," Ten throws his second pillow at the light switch and is pleased with his accuracy as it actually switches off. Now he's pillowless but that's the least of his worries, and he plops down harshly and tries to go to sleep.

Within a few minutes, Hendery is snoring. Another several minutes later, Ten is drifting in and out of sleep but keeps waking up from discomfort. His face feels itchy and dry, his lack of pillows is hurting his neck, but he's just pulled under into sleep enough that he feels like he can't get up.

In this fuzzy state he thinks he hears the door creak open, footsteps approach. He definitely feels the bed dip down as someone sits near him. A whisper reaches his ears.

"Don't worry, it's just me. You can't sleep like this, right? Tell me if this is too warm."

Ten feels a warm, damp washcloth on his face. It gently sweeps over his skin, paying special attention to his eyes where the makeup is heaviest. When it's done, he feels a hand slide behind his head and lift while a pillow is placed underneath it.

"Thanks, Xuxi," Ten manages as he drifts, so comfortable now.

"You're welcome. Be careful, okay?"

Lucas doesn't get a reply, but he trusts Ten as much as he trusts Kun.

Chapter Text

Ten avoids Kun subtly for about 2 days, which is not very difficult given their busy schedules. Kun just hangs back and gives him space. Another few days go by where Ten acts like absolutely nothing has happened between them, and Kun does the same - bickering when they'd normally bicker, joking when they'd normally joke. And then for the next couple of weeks, Ten becomes the biggest tease on planet Earth, and Kun feels like he's going to lose his goddamn mind.

In the past, Ten had always enjoyed tormenting Kun, liked the rise it got out of him, or the benevolent lack of one. Sometimes it was easy, Kun so quick to anger, and sometimes he had to work for it, chipping away to overcome Kun's serene, unbothered smile or unyielding smirk of disbelief at his antics. But this, this is a different kind of torment.

For example, they're currently in a small, two-stall bathroom just down the hall from where the rest of the members are getting makeup done for a photo shoot. Kun and Ten were done first, and Ten all but dragged him to this secluded spot under the pretext of not feeling well. It seemed plausible enough to the boys and the staff who all looked concerned, but Kun knew better, given the way Ten has been looking at him with bedroom eyes whenever no one else was paying attention. At one point he had even pressed his tongue into his own cheek while moving his hand near his mouth in a mimed blowjob, to which Kun almost choked on his boba and threw a bag of cookies at him on reflex.

And now, Ten has him trapped against the bathroom door that thankfully locks even though there are stalls with their own locks, too. Music from the photo shoot is being piped into this room as well, and Ten has his back to Kun, is dancing and grinding on him. Kun has his hands on Ten's hips and is undecided on whether he should push him away or pull him in closer.

"Can't you go back to ignoring me? Life was easier those few days," Kun laughs and decides to just squeeze and dig his fingers into Ten rather than pushing or pulling.

"I can't help myself, you look so hot in these skater-vibe clothes," Ten laughs too, and Kun is relieved he didn't take his joke the wrong way. He's been sort of walking on eggshells around Ten ever since that night a few weeks back, and at first Ten seemed to appreciate it, but now it seems like he's over Kun's cautiousness. Alright, then.

Kun slides one of his hands up from Ten's hip to his neck and wraps his jeweled fingers around his throat. He feels Ten's sharp gasp travel swiftly under his grip and it makes him feel dizzy, as if he's the one being lightly choked. Tilting Ten's head to the side, he considers digging his teeth into Ten's exposed pulse point but the one rational braincell he has left screams at him not to, and he settles for trailing a line of teasing kisses from the base of his jaw to his shoulder. He drags his lips back up the side of Ten's throat, and pushes his long hair up and away from his nape. He bares his teeth and lightly bites there, at the scruff of his neck. It's not too hard, but the area is sensitive and the gesture feels so claiming - Ten's panting is starting to turn into small, ragged moans, getting a little too loud. Kun pulls off to blow softly on his ear.

"Ah, fuck!" Ten giggles as he squirms away from the ticklish sensation, getting out of Kun's grip and turning around to face him. Kun hooks his arms around Ten's waist, splaying his hands on the small of his back, and pulls him close.

"Quit riling me up, brat! We can't even do anything here," Kun sounds angry, but one of his dimples is showing. Ten tangles his hands into Kun's hair, and brings their faces closer together.

"Who says we can't? There's a lock on the door, we have at least 20 minutes until they need us. That's plenty of time for me to get on my knees and blow your mind."

Kun can only swallow thickly and strangle back a groan at the mental picture of Ten blowing him in this dingy little bathroom.

"No? Or maybe you'd rather bend me over the sink and--"

"FUCK, stop, you demon!" Kun exclaims while clamping his hand over Ten's mouth. Unsurprisingly, Ten bites him. Surprisingly, Kun just smirks and keeps his hand in place. Ten's eyes go wide before narrowing in a glare as he huffs out a breath through his uncovered nose.

"HAHA! You look just like an angry kitten, cuuute~" Kun struggles to hold in his laughter. Ten bites harder and Kun pulls his hand away swiftly, wincing and sucking in air through his teeth. He puts his palm to his own mouth and sucks on the bite mark lightly to relieve the pain.

"Sorry, gege," Ten pouts, but he doesn't look sorry at all as he takes Kun's hand back and kisses the bite mark himself. Under Kun's heated gaze he slowly starts kissing and licking around Kun's fingers, alternating between looking down demurely and looking straight into Kun's eyes. Ten really knows his angles.

"Really though," Kun pants, "even if we--we have time. I still don't want to do it here. Why do we always--end up in bathrooms? You deserve--ughh," Kun's concentration breaks in a groan as Ten puts his warm mouth around two of his fingers, sliding his wet, tinted lips forward steadily until they touch the metal of Kun's rings, and retreating slowly while swirling his tongue around and between the digits. He pulls off unhurriedly, letting his tongue loll out of his mouth as he releases Kun's hand to gravity and it falls weakly at his side. No doubt he's showing off the phenomenal oral skills that Kun is missing out on.

"Oh?" Ten says, his tone painfully coquettish, "what do I deserve?" He tilts his head back and looks down his nose at Kun with all the elegance and entitlement of a high-society debutante, asking her suitors what they've brought to woo her.

Kun clenches his own jaw as he grabs Ten's with his spit-slicked hand and flips their positions, slamming Ten into the metal door with a clang. He hikes his leg harshly between Ten's thighs and smiles as they squeeze around him in defense. Ten is whimpering and Kun is living for it.

"Hmm, what does my pretty little thing deserve?" Kun rumbles close to his ear, pretending to think about it. His pretty little thing, now? Ten feels like he might pass out from how hard he's breathing, from how rapidly his blood is pumping through his body.

"Satin sheets. Candles? A soft, lacy blindfold. And time. So much more time than 20 minutes." Kun opines.

"A blindfold? Ooh la la~" Ten is trying to mask the feelings welling up in him with a sassy response. Kun lets go of the grip he'd had on his jaw, moving his hand down to gently stroke Ten's collarbone.

"Or whatever you're into. Whatever you want, kitten." Kun says, his tone almost reverent.

Ten tilts his head forward to rest on Kun's shoulder, as if trying to hide his blush. It's cute.

"Have I ever told you how much I like these things you call me?" his words are muffled in Kun's leather jacket and he already knows the answer.

"Not in words, no. You haven't told me much of anything at all. Which reminds me..." Kun trails off.

"Hmm?" Ten lift his head back up to meet Kun's eyes, curious, still blushing. He's a little amazed at how Kun suddenly looks so soft and caring right now, but still has him pressed against the door a little painfully, still has his leg threateningly close to Ten's balls, keeping him on an unsteady tiptoe to avoid a world of pain.

"We should talk first. There's so much I want to know about you. Things I need to know beforehand, I think." Kun slowly lets his leg down and lightens his grip on Ten as he explains. Ten knows he's right, but is worried that Kun will think less of him if he finds out what he wants to know.

"Ugh, talking is boooring. Can't we talk after?"

"Oh honey," Kun has to pause to laugh to himself, "you won't be able to talk after I'm done with you."

Ten doesn't know whether Kun means he'll ravage his throat or just fuck him senseless, but the promise of either of them has him nearly sobbing - he wants Kun so bad.

"Fuck, please Kun--"

Ten is interrupted by a knock on the door that rattles through him and someone calling his name.

"Ten hyung?" it's muffled, and they can't quite tell who it is.

"Yeess~" Ten drawls weakly, he sounds fucked out already when they've only been talking and teasing. Kun pushes down a laugh and goes into leader mode, taking control of the situation. He pushes Ten to the side of the door so he'll be out of sight, and opens it just enough to not look suspicious.

"He's feeling better, just using the restroom and we'll be right out. Do they need us already?"

"No, we were just worried. We still have like, 10 minutes."

Now that his mind is clearing a little, Ten can tell that it's Yangyang speaking. He assumes Lucas or maybe a manager is with him based on the angle Kun had looked up after opening the door. He starts to feel just a little bad about making the members and staff worry. Backing over to one of the stalls, he leans in to flush an empty toilet and then heads over to the sink to wash his hands, glancing to the door. Lucas and Yangyang look so concerned that his heart drops, and he tries not to let the pang of guilt show on his face.

"I'm fine guys, don't worry!" he says with a smile before walking over to the door, giving Kun a casual pat on the ass, and then walking out to hook his arm around Yangyang. "Do they have anything to drink in the waiting room? I'm dying of thirst." he says dramatically, throwing Kun a suggestive look over his shoulder as Yangyang leads him back.

All this happens in front of Lucas's eyes, and it's no surprise when he follows Kun into the bathroom as the older goes to the sink to wash his hands.

"Kun ge," he says over the rush of water. "Is this still a thing? After that one night you guys seemed weird for a while...what happened?" His expression is uncharacteristically unreadable, like he's purposely trying to seem neutral.

"I just gave him space because it seemed like that's what he wanted. And now, lately..." Kun dries his hands and clears his throat awkwardly, not knowing how much to say, not wanting to assume how much Lucas knows. "But I need to find time to talk to him. Not at the dorms, not in a gross bathroom."

"This bathroom's actually not that bad. Good lighting, great acoustics," Lucas jokes as he looks around like he's sizing up the place. "The walls are kinda thin though," he raises an eyebrow at Kun and it's pretty clear he knows exactly what was going on in this bathroom.

"Not the point," Kun says flatly. "Listen, I didn't want to pull you into this because I know everything about it is probably wrong. But if you're going to make jokes, can you at least help me out, too?" he huffs out.

"Kun ge. It's not wrong," Lucas says and looks so crestfallen that Kun would even think that way. "And of course I'll help you," he promises resolutely.

"Xuxi...What do you know that I don't? You seem so protective of him. Did you guys ever..."

"No, no we--"

"I mean, I don't mind if you did though!" Kun hold his hands up and tries to convey this truth as strongly as he feels it.

"That's good," Lucas smiles, "but it's not like that. It's just, during the SuperM tour, we all had some drinks in Taemin hyung's room one night. After a while it ended up being just me, Taemin hyung, Baekhyun hyung, and Ten hyung. We talked for hours. Idol life, our worries, dreams, fears. It's so different to talk to members from other groups, you know? You can spill secrets knowing they'll keep them, and that it won't affect much because you're not living and working with them everyday. Except for Ten hyung. I said things I wouldn't have normally said in front of him, and he did the same. It was like some weird unspoken thing where we didn't want to break the spell of such a rare night just because we'd usually hold back in front of each other. We just...spoke freely."

Kun doesn't remember the last time he's heard Lucas say so much at once. Even though he feels a little hurt, wants to interject and assure Lucas that he can talk to Kun about anything, he can tell how important this is. He keeps his mouth shut, letting Lucas continue.

"I can't tell you what he said, that'd be wrong. But I think...I think he's been hurt in the past."

"By..." Kun swallows, "by anyone we know?"

"OH, no, not anyone in NCT. Are you kidding me? I would've kicked their ass already if it was." Lucas's fists tighten just from thinking about it.

"Good," Kun sighs in relief before continuing, "Well, all the more reason I need to talk to him. Sooner rather that later, because he's driving me a little insane. If you see an opportunity or think of a way, let me know."

"I will. We should get back. But uh, you're still kinda..." Lucas's eyes flick down briefly and he looks more amused than he probably should.

Kun blushes furiously, "I know, shit, I'm so sorry. I've been trying to will it away this whole time," he was counting on Lucas not noticing, or at least having the decency to pretend not to notice.

"I could like, slap you or something? Or that might make it worse if you're anything like Ten." Lucas laughs and Kun is mortified that he finds any part of this situation funny. It's almost enough to make him go soft. Almost. But then he realizes what Lucas just implied.

"Wait, how do you-- I thought you guys weren't..." Kun trails off confusedly as he tries to adjust his clothes to hide his inconvenient problem.

"Late night talks weren't the only thing going on in Taemin hyung's room. I have pretty good hearing, and hotel walls can be thin, too."

Kun groans and covers his face with his hands. "Xuxi, this--"

"I felt kinda bad overhearing, but they all were just so loud, I think they liked letting people hear--"

"LUCAS!! This isn't helping!" Kun is leaning over the sink and glaring at him desperately.

"Woah, hyung~" Lucas teases, "I was trying to help by making you jealous, but I guess not? So kinky~ just like--"

"Get the fuck out!" Kun throws some wadded up paper towels at Lucas as he retreats in a fit of high pitched laugther.

Lucas returns to the waiting room alone, smirking to himself.

"Where's Kun ge?" Xiaojun asks. Ten and Yangyang  turn around from the snack table, looking confused.

"He's feeling sick now," Lucas shoots a glance at Ten, who looks a little guilty and a little proud.

"Ew, did you like, pass off your sickie germs or what?" Yangyang says, jumping back from Ten like he might catch something from him.

"Don't worry, you're definitely immune." Ten rolls his eyes and Lucas laughs, knowing the joke is just for him.

"Ready in five," a voice crackles over the PA system.

A minute later, Kun walks in with smeared makeup and damp skin, and the makeup artist nearly passes out.

"I'm SO sorry noona, I didn't feel good so I splashed cold water on my face. Is there enough time to redo it?" Kun puts on his best self deprecating pout and the staff crumbles in the palm of his hand. One manager is running around giving all the members packets of red ginseng extract (two each for Ten and Kun) while another is touching Kun's forehead as the makeup artist pulls him into the chair and fusses over him. He should look guilty and pleading, and he does. But Ten can see a glint of satisfaction in Kun's eyes at the way his little act worked so well, at the power his looks give him. A thrill runs through Ten at the thought that Kun isn't always as straight-laced as he lets on.

Kun catches Ten staring through the mirror and stares back, not breaking eye contact while the makeup artist dabs fresh lip tint onto the inner edge of his plush bottom lip.

Lucas clears his throat loudly and Ten finally has to look away from Kun's inviting reflection before he starts to "feel sick" again.

Chapter Text

WayV is crammed in their van in bulky jackets, still shivering from the frigid air of the winter evening. They were only outside for a few moments before getting in the vehicle, but the set of their music video was absolutely bone-chilling cold, as always. They spent the last 16 hours filming, and even still they have to go back tomorrow to finish a few more shots. The director had been trying his best to wrap it up, but with the way the temperature dropped drastically in the evening, the heater couldn't keep up and the boys were left shivering and stiff on top of being exhausted - hardly conducive to looking good and dancing well.

The filming site is far enough away from the dorms that the manager decided to put them up in a hotel, so they could get the maximum amount of sleep before shooting the next day. Kun is eternally grateful for it, and tries to show it by doing his best to keep the members from being too rowdy on the van ride to their last-minute accommodations. They're all physically drained, but mentally wired in that way that makes them extra talkative. They're also hyped for an impromptu stay at a nice hotel - it was the only nearby place that had enough rooms available on short notice in the middle of the night. The manager catches Kun's eye in the rearview and the crinkles of his smile are evident as Kun works to mellow out the team. It's nice when people acknowledge his efforts.

Another thing he's eternally grateful for tonight is Lucas pulling through on his promise, like he always does, and planning to pull strings to make sure Ten and Kun will room together. When they heard they'd be staying at a hotel, Kun's eyes immediately found Lucas's, who was already looking back at him and giving him a little nod. Bless that boy.

On the way to the elevator, as the manager hands out key cards seemingly at random, Lucas pays careful attention to the arrangements. It seems Kun is rooming with the manager, Ten with Winwin, Lucas with Yangyang, and Hendery with Xiaojun. As they wait for the elevator, Kun can see Lucas out of the corner of his eye, texting rapidly. From his other side, he hears Yangyang's phone buzz. No one else seems to notice the two sending a volley of messages, scowls, grins and finally nods back and forth. As they finally enter the elevator, Yangyang clears his throat and tugs on the manager's sleeve.

"Can I room with you, hyung?" he says with his most adorable pout, blinking up at their manager.

"Why?" the manager counters flatly with an unamused look.

"I feel like I'm too hyped to fall asleep and might need to watch TV or something to unwind. You're the heaviest sleeper...I don't want to bother any of the members, they need their sleep right? Me too, and if I don't relax for a bit, I won't be able to sleep at all. You know how I get," it's a sound argument tinged with a threat - Yangyang is a terror when he's sleep deprived.

The manager sighs heavily, and everyone knows that means he's about to give in. Kun preemptively starts to lift his hand to offer his key card to Yangyang, but a hand on his wrist stops him. He looks up at Lucas, who is shaking his head in a strange way that's somehow simultaneously subtle and enthusiastic, and using his eyes to tell Kun not to give up his key card.

"Fine, here - figure out the cards," the manager hands his to Yangyang who trades it with a grinning Lucas for him. Kun's not sure why it mattered which card was switched, the result would still be him with Lucas and Yangyang with the manager, right? But he trusts Lucas and just watches his plan unfold. There's still one move yet to be made.

Within seconds of the first room trade, Lucas pretends he's just catching on.

"Wait, are we trading rooms? Can I too?" he asks looking excited, and it's so genuine it makes Kun question everything Lucas has ever said and done, because when did he become such a good actor? The manager shrugs and waves him off, his typical way of letting them know they can proceed how they want.

"Winwin, my man! Roomies forever?" Lucas says with a big grin, holding his hand out for a bro hug. Winwin accepts it easily with an excited smile and a cute "Alright, my man!" in English. Kun knows better this time and doesn't immediately offer his key card to Winwin. It earns him a subtle wink from Lucas, who promptly switches his own card with Ten's instead. Kun looks down at his card and over at Ten's matching one, and feels like some kind of magic trick has just happened. He looks up at Lucas with a grateful smile, and decides he needs to treat him to some delicious food soon. Lucas smiles back something kind but a little smug, like he's reading Kun's thoughts and saying, Yeah, you do.

Just when it looks like Xiaojun might speak up about trading rooms too, holding his key card up with a questioning look, the elevator door dings open on the 19th floor. Lucas starts to usher most of them out, but turns towards Kun and Ten.

"Wait, I think we're on different floors. Look, your card is a different color," Lucas holds his dark green card up against Kun and Ten's purple ones. "Let's see, does that say 2513? I think hyungs are on the 25th floor." He works it out slowly and naturally, and Kun almost believes Lucas didn't already notice this.

"What?! They get a different floor?" Hendery exclaims as Lucas finally steps fully into the hallway. He leans back in briefly to push the button for 25 with a smirk at Ten, who has just been silently watching this all unfold with observant eyes.

As the doors start to close to a strange mix of sounds - some members whooping and catcalling and others whining and complaining - Kun looks to the manager wondering if this is all okay. The man just shurgs with an exasperated smile and says, "Enjoy it, boys," and as an afterthought at the last possible moment he adds sternly, "and behave! Don't make me come up there!" His last few syllables were cut off, but Kun could piece it together.

With the door finally shut, Ten lets out a low whistle. Kun looks at him amusedly but questioning.

"Lucas is impressive," Ten smiles and shrugs.

"He really is. That was more fascinating than any trick I've pulled." Kun replies as the elevator beeps at them. For some reason, it's making him slide his key card in this weird little slot next to the top most floors, 25 and 26. He does it without giving much thought and the elevator finally starts moving up.

"Not true! You tricked me into thinking you were an innocent, boring, vanilla virgin for years. Not to mention straight," Ten says mischievously.

"You're right about one of those though," Kun laughs.

"Oh shit...you're straight?!" Ten gasps and clutches both hands to his chest dramatically, and Kun just starts laughing harder. He playfully jostles and shoves Ten out of the opening elevator doors onto the their floor. It looks different than the 19th floor hallway, more dimly let, with deeper colored luxurious patterns on the floors and walls and gilded mirrors hanging above marble console tables. They stop laughing and use hushed tones as they navigate the stately environment with awe and curiousity. They find their room at the very end of a corridor.

Before tapping his key card to the sensor, Ten looks at Kun. He looks so beautiful in the soft pink light coming from a rose quartz crystal sconce that's glowing warmly next to their door. He wants to remember this moment, remember the way Kun's eyes shine as he looks back at him. In case things will change, after this.

They both linger here, Ten lost in Kun's warmth and smile and scent, and he starts to lean forward into him. Kun shakes his head softly and mouths the word 'camera', using his eyes to point out the black glossy orb in the corner above them. Its oppresive, surveilling aura is in stark contrast to the otherwise discreet setting, and Ten thinks it looks like an ugly, unwanted spider clinging to the ceiling like that.

Kun takes Ten's cold hand in his own warm grasp and moves it to the handle, touching the key card to the sensor. A melodic beep sings and the lock clicks open. Kun reluctantly lets go of Ten's hand to open the door, stepping aside and ushering him in first. Kun closes the door behind them and promplty runs into Ten as he turns back around. Ten had stopped abruptly after switching the lights on and is standing there in awe. Kun takes in the sight before them and his jaw practically hits the floor.

Their room is a stunning suite, decked out in black, white, and gold with a few tasteful wine-red accents. There's a sitting area with plush black velvet furniture and a wet bar with bottles of wine and champagne glistening from back-lit shelves. The bed is giant and luxurious, inviting in the way it's draped with expensive looking fabrics and an abundance of pillows. The door to the ensuite bathroom is open and although there's only a dim glow comng from inside, it's clear that there's a giant bathtub with water jets and ornate gold fixtures.

"What the fu--" Kun's phone sproadically buzzing in his pocket cuts him off. He pulls it out to see a string of texts from their manager, and starts reading them out loud to Ten.

3:17am
Manager-nim:
How's the room?

Manager-nim:
Before you get any weird ideas, I did not splurge on it - it was the only room left and I used my amazing negotiating skills to bargain them down on it.

"HAHAHA, oh my god," Kun starts laughing in disbelief and Ten takes his phone to continue reading the texts out loud as new ones come in.

3:18am
Manager-nim:
Yeah, so I was gonna take it for myself, so what? But I thought I'd share it with you since you've been so helpful with the members today.

Manager-nim:
Whatever, I guess Ten deserves it too, he's been momming Yangyang all day.

"He GUESSES I deserve it?" Ten scoffs and Kun steals his phone back and starts impersonating the manager's voice - low and gravelly, but amiable.

3:19am
Manager-nim:
You guys better not get into trouble, I'm serious!

Manager-nim:
Also, DON'T tell the others about this, or I swear to god...

Kun can't keep up his impression going with a straight face and they're both in hysterics until he gets a great idea.

"Wait, wait!" he says breathlessly, opening up his camera app excitedly. "Baby, go sit on the bed," he addresses Ten as he lightly pushes him with a hand on his lower back, not quite realizing what he just said. Not quite noticing the way Ten's laughter stutters at the words, at the touch.

Ten sits and poses on the bed over-dramatically, trying to distract from his blush. But Kun finally notices it as he snaps a picture, and the realization hits him in a wave of thrill. He decides to ride it further.

"Perfect, just like that - one more, kitten." He clicks the shutter again and looks down at his phone, chuckling at the way he can see how Ten's back is more arched in the second photo.  He clicks on the heart button to favorite the photo and then scrolls to the first one, where it's a little less evident that Ten is posing for him.  It's also a wider shot, where you can see just how obscenely high-end the room is. He quickly sends it in the group chat that includes all the members and their manager, typing a fast "the room's great, thanks hyung!" before silencing his phone and tossing it carelessly aside. He zeroes in on Ten's quickened breath, and takes several strides forward to close the gap between them.

Ten's eyes go a bit wide and it reminds Kun of the first time he pulled Ten's hair. He smirks and strokes his cheek fondly, standing next to the bed as Ten still gingerly sits on it, looking up at him with both hands pressed into the duvet between his slightly spread thighs. Kun feels dizzy with the scene before him, until he realizes he actually just feels dizzy. He stumbles forward a bit and catches himself, sitting on the bed next to Ten. In all the excitement, he'd forgotten that they'd just filmed for 16 hours straight, not to mention several hours of prep time beforehand.

Ten takes this moment of respite from Kun's heavy gaze to announce that he has to use the restroom, jokingly wondering aloud whether the toilet will be gold as he gets up and ambles over to it. He wonders if Kun can tell its just an excuse to catch his breath for a moment.

Ten fumbles with the light switches, first turning on a godawful fluorescent bulb before quickly switching it off and finding a dimmer incandescent light with a warm glow. It bounces off of all the golden fixtures, giving the bathroom an ethereal aesthetic. Looking into the large peach glass mirror, he wishes he looked as magical as this setting, but the truth is that he's so very tired.  He takes a moment to splash water in his face, hoping it will give him a dewy look and help him to feel more alert, capable, ready.

As Ten exits the bathroom, Kun is leaning against a dark wood desk holding a little binder embossed with the hotel's logo.

"So, it isn't satin, but I'm pretty sure it's like 5,000 thread count Egyptian cotton? And it says here in this pamphlet, look -- if you really enjoy it you can buy a set at the front desk!" Kun is rambling. Something feels off.

"Noted," Ten says with a little laugh. Maybe he's just nervous? It's understandable, but also a bit confusing given how far they've gone in cramped bathrooms, how far they've talked about going, heated whipsers in shadowy hallways. Ten must be staring too long, because Kun's relaxed facade seems to crumble.

"Ten...I'm so sorry, but I'm exhausted," Kun says with the most sad puppy look Ten has ever seen.

"OH, thank GOD!" Ten exclaims with a huge sigh of releif, laughing as all his nerves and anxiety just fall away.

"Haha what?!" Kun is laughing along, if a bit confusedly.

"No, just. I am too. I'm not sleepy but I'm so physically drained. I just know the second I lay down I'm not going to be able to move a muscle, and I was SO worried about disappointing you," Ten admits while crossing the room to sit at the desk chair in front of Kun.

"What? No..." Kun's face is all gentle concern, and it makes Ten's chest feel fuzzy. "That wouldn't disappoint me at all. Ten, you never have to worry about that with me."

"I-- okay. But I mean, after all my teasing I didn't want you to think I was...just a big tease. I'm actually really a slut! I follow through on my slutty actions!"

"Don't call yourself that! I mean. Unless you want to? I'm always confused about the whole slut shaming thing. Like, is it reclaimed, or?" Kun's genuine confusion makes Ten smile.

"It's not a word that bothers me, even though most people use it harshly. I've had a lot of experience, if that makes me a slut..." Ten shrugs, his face telling Kun he could really not care less about what most of the world thinks of him.

"Since we're both so drained, would you mind if we just lay down, and you can tell me about some of the...experiences you've had?" Kun asks.

"Wow, " Ten laughs in disbelief. "You tricked me into this whole talking first thing didn't you. You and Lucas planned your stunt when you knew I'd be too tired to put up a fight."

Maybe Ten has gone too far, because Kun looks way too serious as he reaches for Ten's hands, "Listen, you don't have to tell me anything."

"It's fine, Kun, I--"

"No, wait -- please. I really want you to know there's no pressure. We don't HAVE to talk about anything you don't want to," Kun pulls Ten up and out of the chair, walking backwards to lead them both towards the bed, releasing one hand to pull back the duvet. "We can just lay down and cuddle in these--" his jaw drops as his hand touches the impossibly soft fabric on the bed. "Oh my god, these sheets are insane. Fuck! Why do I have to be so tired? These would have been perfect to pin you down into."

Ten laughs even as his stomach dips a little at the thought, and then feels the sheets himself and his laugh falters, "What the fuck!? Is this a cloud?"

They stare at each other before bursting into more laughter, and Kun uses this moment to lean back onto the plush bed and pull Ten on top of him. They settle comfortably, with most of Ten's weight on Kun, but he doesn't mind. The way Ten is slightly straddling his hips is really making Kun wish he had more energy.

"Fine. You and this comfy bed win. I'll tell you a bit about my past."

Chapter Text

Knowing there's a long conversation ahead of them, Ten settles in and gets comfortable where he's laying on top of Kun on the giant, luxurious bed in this stunning suite of a hotel room. It really is a shame they're both so exhausted from the music video shoot, they could have really broken this place in.

He starts to slowly recount his relationships and flings, mostly from his trainee days. Kun can tell he's skirting around certain people, certain topics. But he doesn't comment on it, just letting him open up at his own pace. From his body language, the way his voice gets uncharacteristically deep like he's trying to sound unphased and confident, Kun knows that there must be more to the story about an older college student guy he "sort of dated" and apparently broke things off with a little while after debuting in NCT.

He must be the reason Lucas gets worried, the reason Ten sometimes gets panicky. Kun tries not to let himself get flooded in anger at the thought of it, and instead tries even harder to tune into Ten's every subtle movement -- really be present and attentive to what he's communicating, both spoken and unspoken. He knows they'll have plenty of time to fill in any gaps later, when he earns even more of Ten's trust. He's also fine with never knowing the details, if it's something Ten doesn't ever want to talk about.

Kun notices that Ten is stumbling over his Mandarin more than usual, subbing in a lot of English words, especially when it comes to relationships and sex.

"So most of your experience has been with Koreans?" Kun asks in Korean, effectively switching Ten to the language as well. It's important to him that they can both speak comfortably and understand clearly for this conversation.

"Yeah, mostly. There were a couple of Thai guys before I moved here. But nothing too crazy, I was so young." Ten responds.

"Anyone Chinese?" Kun asks.

Ten narrows his eyes at him, "Is this your slick way of asking if I've been with any of our WayV members? Because for the record, I haven't. You could just ask, you know."  He's speaking playfully but there's a defensive edge to it.

"No, not at all. Thank you for telling me, but I honestly don't really care who you've been with. Not that I don't care, I just...it doesn't bother me? It never has," Kun tries to sound reassuring.

"So if I told you I've been with hyungs from SuperM...?" Ten tests.

Kun can't help it as his eyes start to sparkle and he looks at Ten like he's about to hear the juiciest story, "Was it Taemin sunbaenim? Maybe Baekhyun sunbaenim? You two seemed close!"

Ten is a little taken aback, "Wait, you're not jealous?"

"Not as much as I'm intruiged. Is that weird?" Kun says quickly, wavering a bit at the end as he becomes unsure if his response is off-putting.

"It's--" Ten thinks for a moment, sees Kun starting to look nervous, and tries to choose his words carefully, finally aware that they've switched to Korean at some point and that he actually can speak with a little more finesse, "unusual? Most people would be jealous in this situation, which honestly is a bit of a turnoff for me. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for people acting a little possessive in the heat of the moment. But the guys I've been with would get jealous about the past. Which is just stupid. Now that I think about it, your reaction is really refreshing."

There's a short lull as Kun lets his nerves ease a bit and Ten just watches him thoughtfully before continuing, "But you didn't seem shocked at all, do I really seem like I sleep around that much?"

"No... I just may have gotten some very vague hints from a little bird, is all."

"More like a giant bird," Ten rolls his eyes and Kun is a little worried he shouldn't have said something that might put Lucas at the wrath of Ten, he's been so helpful after all. But Ten's annoyed expression fades into a little knowing smile, much to his relief.

"So, I've been with Taemin hyung...and Taeyong hyung. Together." Ten slowly admits.

"Can...you tell me about it?" Kun is unreadable, his visage like a calm blue ocean, steady but also frightening in its vast void. Ten takes a deep breath and dives in.

"In pairs, none of us were quite...enough, for each other. That's why Taeyong and I had never gotten too serious, in the past. We had some casual fun as trainees, but we were young. As we got older, learned more about what we liked, we realized it was too similar, to the point that we weren't really compatible - we didn't balance. We'd spend days baiting each other, egging each other on, building tension. But our goal was the same - to get the other to the point of snapping and taking control. Once we realized it, it was really funny actually. But you can imagine how frustrating it was before that. I remember on the set of Baby Don't Stop filming, there was so much tension the staff actually thought we hated each other, haha!"

Ten had been staring down at the sheets this whole time, eyes watching his own finger trace intricate shapes into the fabric, but with his last few words he finally pulls back a bit to make eye contact. Kun can tell his laugh is half-hearted, tentative. Ten is testing the waters, trying to gauge Kun's potential jealousy, no matter what Kun has said to assure him he didn't feel it. And sure enough, all he sees is Kun's attentive look, soft but intense at the same time in that weird, dualistic Kun way. All he feels are Kun's hands slowly, slowly trailing down his ribs to his hips and back up again. Ten has to take a moment to remember where he had left off before continuing.

"It was similar with Taemin hyung, I think we both had a crush on each other even before SuperM - although I'm sure I had one for much longer of course. But I had built up this unrealistic idea of him based on his stage persona. His aura can be so dark and threatening when he wants it to be, and I loved that. But everyone knows stage Taemin is not real Taemin - or, he is, but he isn't - how do I say this? It's really him, in that moment, but it's a different version of him. A version that only exists in performance. But the other side of Taemin, the personal side of him - he's a lot softer, a little spoiled, very playful and kind. He's lovely, he really is. But he's...just not my type." Kun has to fight a smile, wondering if this means that Kun himself is Ten's type.

"But, Taemin, Taeyong and I spent some time together during the tour and...when it was the three of us? Well. Let's just say there was enough to go around. Of course that kind of thing is a very rare, special occasion. They had been curious about each other and knew that they'd both been involved with me. I may have pulled some strings to make sure we could all be alone in a room one night..."

"You sneaky bastard," Kun chuckles but his face has more of a look of awe than anything, "How did that work if you're all a bit...into the same role?"

"In other words, we're all lowkey pillow princes, right? But we just sort of took turns in different roles. I can get into dom headspace when I need to. I gave Taemin what he wanted, watched and touched as he did the same for Taeyong, who then returned the favor to me, and it was probably the best sexual experience I'd ever had at that point. I mean, until about 30 minutes later when we switched things up. Taemin performed for me, conjured up that version of himself like he was on stage, and it was mindblowing. And even though I'm not much of a top, making NCT's leader submit to me always feels wrong in that really good way."

Ten can feel Kun starting to get hard beneath him, and can't believe he's lucky enough to have found someone who gets turned on by this instead of becoming insanely jealous. He decides to keep talking.

"On another night we sort of...tag teamed? It was two on one and it's the first time I've cried during sex."

Kun's hands go still on Ten's sides and his face goes blank. Ten is worried he freaked him out with all this threesome talk - maybe he thinks Ten cried in a bad way? Maybe he's worried about living up to Ten's past experiences? Maybe -- maybe Ten should just ask.

"Uh, Kun? I didn't mean I was hurt or anything..."

"Oh, yeah, I know. Sorry, I just. Was thinking about making you cry." Kun's voice starts out nonchalant but drops to something breathy, deeper. Affected. His nails unconsciously dig into Ten's hip bones slightly, just enough to be felt through the thin material of his shirt.

Ten's eyelids flutter softly as he closes them and takes a shallow breath in, trying not to gasp. He feels himself losing track of his thoughts, pleasantly drowning in sensation as Kun pulls him in like a tide by the grip on his waist. But he knows there's more he needs to say, so he keeps his head above the water. He may not have wanted this talk but once he starts something, he follows through on it.

"We're not finished." He mumbles as Kun seems intent on bringing their lips together.

"Hmm? You can keep talking." Kun says as he veers off to kiss along Ten's jaw instead.

"No I mean, Taemin, Taeyong and I. We were taking turns being the lucky one who gets all the attention for the night and...we didn't get to finish on the tour. It's Taeyong next."

Under his lips, Kun can feel Ten's jaw become more and more tense as he speaks.

"Baobei," he whispers soothingly right against his ear, and feels Ten melt at the word. He puts a bit of gravel into his hushed voice as he continues, "can I join next time?"

Ten's eyes go wide and he chokes on air, feeling like an idiot as he sputters, maybe he actually is drowning. Kun pulls away enough to give Ten some space to breathe, laughing a little at his surprise.

"Only if they'll have me, of course. I know it's not just up to you. But also, realistically that'd be hard to plan. It's probably more likely for just us and Taeyong to get together. Especially since Taemin sunbaenim is going into his service soon," Kun rambles a bit as Ten sits up to grab an expensive looking glass bottle of water from the bedside table and downs half of it. He can't keep his eyes off of Ten's throat, and the way a tiny rivulet of water escapes to trail down it.

"You're serious about this?" Ten asks as he settles back to his place atop Kun.

"Hell yeah. But also, even if they're not into me joining, I'm still okay with you continuing your taking turns thing. Not that you need my permission."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. It's hot." Kun smirks and lightly grinds his hips up...if it wasn't evident that he was hard before, it certainly is now. "But I hope I can join, because it sounds like you could use someone who'd really enjoy fucking you all senseless."

Ten almost whines at that before responding, "Mm, okay then. I'll talk to them about it, but I'll let them know it's fine with my...with you, either way." Ten smiles. He doesn't quite know what their title is, and neither does Kun. But rather than awkward or tense, it just feels comfortable and open.

"By the way, I feel like you get hard so easily?" Ten laughs, "Not that I'm complaining! I love teasing you when we're working...but I just feel so bad that it takes you a while to calm down afterwards. It's really hot that you want to fuck me that badly, though," Ten punctuates the word 'fuck' with a roll of his own hips, making the rest of his sentence come out breathy.

"I knowww, I'm sorry. I think it's just because...I'm extra sensitive because..." Kun trails off, eyes getting hazy as they slowly start moving in tandem. Part of him can't believe they're actually doing this, that they're alone and only separated by a few layers of clothing. He's wanted this for so long.

"Because?" Ten manages to ask, to get him back on track, even as he writhes on top of Kun.

"Because I've never done this before. I wasn't kidding, when I said you were right about one thing there in the elevator."

"Shit. So, I'm gonna be your first?" Ten stills his hips. This is a big deal, isn't it?

"Yeah but it's not a big deal, don't worry. I didn't like, save myself or anything. I just never had time, or even interest until more recently," Kun admits with a cute blush.

"How about just dating...or kissing? Was I your first kiss?!" Ten gasps.

"I haven't dated, and no, you wish! I've been kissed before!" as the words come out, a look of panic crosses Kun's face. "Although...I don't know if I want to count it," he groans and covers his own face with a nearby pillow.

Oh, this won't do, "Qian Kun! Tell me right now who you kissed!"

"Cnnffla" Kun muffles reluctantly through the pillow.

"What? Who??" Ten shrieks as he pries the pillow from Kun's grip. Did he really just say...

"Chenle." Kun says with his eyes closed tight, holding his breath.

"BAHAHHAHAHA WHAAAAT?? OH MY GODDD AHAHAHA!!!" Ten is howling and Kun fears their manager will hear them from six floors down. 

Kun flips them over, straddling Ten, and playfully shoves the pillow onto his face, "Listen brat! It doesn't count!"

"You're goddamn right it doesn't count, it's CHENLE!" Ten cackles as he shoves the pillow off - he's crying and wheezing from laughing so hard. This is not what Kun had in mind when he thought of making Ten cry. "How did that even happen?"

Kun sighs, "It was just after he turned 19. I went to wish him a belated happy birthday, even sang to him and made him blow out the candle on the cupcake I brought him. When I asked him what he wished for--"

"Oh my godddd I can't," Ten squeals while visibly cringing.

"Oh shut up and listen, I wanna be done with this story! So he said his wish was actually one for his younger self. That he didn't anymore, but he used to have the biggest crush on me, and had sworn to himself that when I saw him as an adult he would confess and kiss me -- hush! He said we owed it to his younger self to at least follow through on the kiss part, right? And when I just nodded in shock he leaned in and...it was really sweet, okay? But it was like kissing a sibling!" Kun throws himself down over Ten, hiding his face in the pillow next to him in embarrassment, half laughing and half groaning.

"Okay that's so gross, but it's also SO CUTE! Our little Chenle is all grown up and doesn't have a crush on you but he obviously has SWAG AHAHAHA!"

"And what about you, huh? I've heard Yangyang and Renjun speaking in Mandarin about you when they thought only Koreans were around. Something about a kiss? And I KNOW you didn't kiss Yangyang, so..."

"So Renjunnie and I have kissed. So what? Not even real kisses though, just little pecks. It's mostly to freak Yangyang out," Ten snickers.

"I bet that's super effective," Kun chuckles into the pillow.

"It really is, he screams and says it's like seeing his best friend kiss his mom or something," Ten is beaming at the mental damage he's caused to their poor maknae. "I think it happened once by chance because of a dare, and his reaction was so ridiculous that we just do it randomly now, when he's least expecting it."

"And that's it? Any other Dream shenanigans?"

"Jaemin flirts with me shamelessly but he kinda does that to everyone, so."

"What about other members? I mean obviously Taeyong."

"Yeah. Uh...let's see. I've kissed Yuta, Jungwoo and Doyoung. Nothing serious, just making out for fun, a bit more sometimes. We jokingly call ourselves nct's gay line. And uh," Ten is visibly getting nervous, "Johnny. That was a little serious though."

"I always thought you guys were dating, or that you had at some point." Kun offers, turning his head and looking at Ten calmly and openly, trying to show him that it's okay. In the back of his mind he thinks this might be part of why he never really acknowledged his attraction to Ten.

Ten takes a big unsteady breath before starting again, "Yeah, we kinda did date. We have such great chemistry as friends, you know? And the sex was...good. But he's just too nice, he could never hurt me. Even when I wanted it. I thought of trying to just be normal for him. He wanted to be monogamous and all that." As Ten is talking, Kun pulls fully back from the pillow to be able to look him in the face.

"It worked for a while but then I realized I was compromising so much, trying to change myself, and he couldn't meet me half way. He couldn't even try. But I don't blame him, I get that what I'm into would turn off most people, even trigger some people. I'm the one who isn't normal, for wanting--"

"Stop. Quit saying you're not normal." Kun interrupts, holding Ten's face in his warm hands. Ten doesn't respond, just stares at Kun for a moment and then nods softly and continues.

"So, we broke it off pretty amiably. As you can see we're still good friends. And honestly, I feel like he's really only settling for men right now because of the situation he's in. Unable to date, surrounded by a bunch of pent up pretty boys. He told me once that he prefers women, that he wants to settle down and have a family some day. I figure, what's the point in having a serious, monogamous relationship if it's just gonna end. I told him I'm here if he ever wants to fuck me like he really means it, but that's it."

"Well for what it's worth, I don't think anyone is normal. But I like that you are the way you are. I like that you're kinky, and weird and slutty, if you want to call it that. I love that you're a tease and a brat. I never knew what I wanted until I realized it was you. I never really knew what I was into until you showed me what you like. I don't even know whether I'm naturally all aggressive and stuff, or if it just turns me on to give you what you want. But I can't wait to find out together." Kun pours his heart into his words, and he can feel it pulsing in the air between them.

After that they're silent, the exhaustion catching up to them in this quiet moment, as they just stare into each other's eyes until Ten closes his, "I'm so sleepy gege," he switches back to mandarin. His blush is evident in not just the color of his cheeks but the warmth of his skin all over.

Kun adjusts to lay next to him, pulls the covers around them, tucking them into the luxurious bedding. He goes to reach for the light but Ten has already starting throwing limbs over him like a koala. He laughs quietly, pulls him closer and closes his own eyes.

"Thank you, Kun ge."

"Anything for you, my pretty little thing."

Chapter Text

Kun groggily awakes to the sound of running water, feeling a definite lack of Ten's presence in the bed. He had been wrapped around Kun like a koala all night, which had lulled Kun happily back to sleep every time he woke up with a sudden urge to check on the members. He doesn't even wake up as often when they're at home, but somehow in hotel situations when it makes even less sense, he's wakeful multiple times a night in an anxious sweat. But the weight of Ten's limbs entwined with his own each time he awoke was so comforting and novel, he couldn't be bothered to be worried. Kun could get dangerously used to such a feeling.

So even though the bed is large and logically Ten could be there, sprawled out on the other side, Kun somehow just knows he's not. Maybe because he can sense it, as if Ten is an extension of him now, their entangled limbs leading their cells to follow suit into quantum entanglement in the night. Or maybe because logically, if the water is running, that means Ten is in the bathroom. Kun decides its probably the later, and that he may still have one foot in dreamland.

He finally props himself up to look around with narrowed, sleep-filled eyes. His gaze travels over the wet bar, noting that there's a fancy coffee pour-over set up and he already feels a little more awake with excitement to try it out. Then he notices movement out of the corner of his eye and finally turns to see it. His eyes widen and his jaw goes slack, as he wonders if he really is still dreaming. Because he does NOT remember noticing last night that a portion of the bathroom wall is transparent. The portion that shares a wall with the shower. The shower in which one Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul is currently showering.

The glass is mostly obscured, fogged up from the steam, except where tiny rivulets of water trail down in scattered paths of clarity. Kun can just make out the outline of Ten's form, his back facing him as he rinses bubbles out of his long black hair. As if feeling eyes on him he turns, stilling for a moment before wiping his hand swiftly down the glass, leaving a huge clear arc in his wake. Kun blinks slowly several times, as his eyes trail down the path and over the parts of Ten that have been revealed to him. Wet black hair framing a strong, almost challenging gaze. Droplets of water gathered in his collar bone (that Kun wants to drink like nectar). Beautiful and sharp black ink in an intricate cresecent, stark in contrast to the pale skin of Ten's chest. The top of one hip bone, and the very beginnings of a dark thatch of hair right as the streak of cleared glass fades back into semi-opaqueness.

His eyes retrace their path upward and when they meet Ten's again, he notices his gaze isn't being returned. Ten's eyes are slightly lower, he's looking at -- oh.  Kun suddenly realizes that he's ridiculously hard, eyes following Ten's to his own lap where it's painfully evident under the soft blankets. He thinks he hears a choked whimper over the sound of the rushing water, and snaps his head back to Ten who suddenly has a desperate look in his eyes, head tilting back as he runs one hand up his neck and into his hair, while the other slides down his chest, past his tattoo and rib bones causing a shiver, down past the lovely hip bone and finally beyond where Kun can see. Ten's arm stops there, and Kun gasps a little to sharply, heady with the realization that Ten is just there, on the other side of the fogged up glass, touching himself.

Kun locks Ten in a determined gaze as he pushes the blankets down and slowly grips himself through his boxers. The mewl it pulls out of Ten reverberates through the glass and Kun loses some stability at the sound of it, falling back onto the bed. Head turned towards the glass wall, his eyes never leave Ten's as he works up a steady rhythm. He can see in his peripheral view that Ten's arm is moving slowly and deliberately. Kun is already getting close, digging his heels into the bed, his back starting to arch beautifully, his eyes slipping closed as he pushes his head back into the pillow, losing himself in heat and pleasure until --

"W-wait, ah, wait. Kun."

Ten's words sounds weak and damp and distant, but they echo in Kun's head and he manages to pull himself back from the precipice. He slows his movement and opens his eyes, head lolling to the side to watch Ten. Ten looks - indescribable. He's flushed and dripping wet, his eyes are wild, he's sliding to his knees, one hand wrapped around his own throat while the other is moving quickly and powerfully. Kun can only see his face clearly now, his kneeling form silhouetted behind the clouded glass. He thinks it's even more arousing than if he could fully see Ten naked, leaving so much to the imagination. He sits up, swinging his legs over the side of the bed to fully face Ten, to drink in and savor everything about this unreal moment. From here he realizes the glass wall is only a few feet away, and at this angle he's staring down at Ten with a heated gaze. His cock is aching and throbbing, so with little thought he pulls his boxers down, freeing it from its confines.

Just then he hears a litany of moans and curses, he sees Ten's mouth moving and logically knows its coming from him, but he's never heard Ten sound like that before. It's maybe the best thing he's ever heard until the very next moment.

"Kuunn~ ah ffuuUUCKK!" rips out of Ten's desperate mouth as his eyebrows knit beautifully in pleasure, and it's the only warning Kun gets before seeing and hearing Ten's cum splattering on the glass between them with force. Not that anything could have prepared him for such a sight, his throat tightening and his hips thrusting into the air as he moans through Ten's orgasm, gripping the mattress on either side of him. He feels like he's about to lose his mind, and some vague distant part of him wonders what he must look like to Ten.

Before he can reach down and finish himself off, he sees Ten dip lower, seemingly on all fours in the shower, half invisible behind fog and streaks of cum. The next thing his brain registers is a pink shape pressed low against the glass, slowly making its way up through the mess of cum, stopping and disappearing briefly once before coming back for another streak. As it approaches the cleared part of the glass Kun realizes it's Ten's tongue, that he's licking his own cum clean. This revelation is confirmed as he finally makes his way up to the clearer part of the glass and pulls back slightly. As soon as Kun can see his whole face, tongue lolling out with a pool of thick white liquid dripping from it, he snaps and cums untouched all over his side of the glass wall, dick throbbing as it shoots out thick ropes, and he knows he's screaming but all he can hear is Ten cursing "fuck fuck, yes baby, oh my god, fuck" with both hands pressed to the glass now, trying to get impossibly closer to Kun's leaking cock.

--

As Ten makes his way out of the bathroom, he can hear Kun still panting heavily. He's laid back on the bed, alternating between staring at the ceiling and squeezing his eyes shut when remnants of pleasure course through him like aftershocks.

"Get up and brush your teeth, lazy ass." Ten quips.

"That. That was--"

"I know it was. It was so fucking hot I can barely stand it and I can't wait to make out with you, idiot. So if you would be so kind?" Ten explains as he rummages through Kun's bag, finding his toothbrush and shoving it at him.

"Yeah, yeah okay." Kun mumbles breathlessly as he pulls himself to his feet and walks on shaky legs to the bathroom. Ten giggles and feels a thrill travel through him, knowing that he did that to Kun. His mind is racing, replaying every moment of what just happened, every sound that Kun made playing in his head like a song. Whines and moans and that scream he let out when he came. Ten just knows Kun's going to be the vocal top of his dreams and he can't wait to hear how else he can make him sing. His dick twitches in his sweatpants, threatening to get hard again so soon.

Kun comes back out looking much more calm and awake, but with a sparkle in his eyes that Ten has never seen before. He's smiling big, dimples out, and beelines towards Ten, pushing him back where he was sitting on the plush black velvet couch.

"Oh, baobei. What a way to wake up." Kun says softly as he presses Ten's wrists into the soft fabric. "What did I do to deserve you," he says wistfully before kissing along Ten's jaw lightly.

"Called me baobei. Called me your pretty little thing. Everything you've said and done since that day in the practice room. You've earned my attention, Kun." Ten's words are lilted as Kun presses more aggressive kisses into his throat.

"I hope to earn a lot more than that," Kun replies between kisses, alternating with little bites that are bordering on too hard. Not for Ten, never, but the makeup noonas at the shoot will surely disapprove.

"I can't wait to fuck you." Kun whispers right into Ten's ear, getting a whine in return.

"Then what are you waiting for?" Ten challenges back, even with a slightly breathless voice.

As if on cue, Ten's phone pings several times.

10:23am
Manager-ssi:
WHY ISN'T KUN ANSWERING HIS TEXTS

Manager-ssi to group:
We're due at the filming site at noon, I got it pushed back as far as I could, YOU'RE WELCOME.

Manager-ssi to group:
That means THERE at noon, which means I want you all in the lobby packed and ready to go at 11:30am. There's a breakfast buffet downstairs, eat BEFORE the rendezvous time please.

10:24am
Manager-ssi:
Ten I see you read my message so you better make sure you and Kun are there on time.

Ten sighs after reading the texts to Kun. "I'll pack us up, you have just enough time to try out the coffee thing you've been eyeing before we head down to eat."

"How--how did you know? I literally glanced at it once when you were in the shower." Kun says confusedly.

Ten just looks into Kun's eyes for a moment and then pulls him down for a deep, sensuous kiss. They break apart only after several minutes of fighting for dominance, Ten only submitting in moments where Kun would bite and nip and bruise. It's thrilling, like taming a wild animal. When they finally satiated themselves, Kun hardly remembered what they were talking about.

"Because I know you. Now hurry and make me some coffee!" Ten exclaims as he overturns Kun, pressing him into the couch and planting a quick wet kiss on his cheek before hopping up to start packing.

Kun chuckles as he wipes his cheek dry. Yeah, he can get dangerously used to this.

Chapter Text

Ten glances at Kun's reflection in the rearview mirror, trying to sneak a look without actually making eye contact. WayV just finished filming a performance stage for a music show, and not only does Kun have his now black hair pulled back in a ponytail, he's also still wearing blue contacts from the schedule. Ten isn't sure why, as Kun has never done that before, normally shedding his contacts right away, mussing up his hair and slipping on his prized Prada beanie. He can only guess it's a personal attack, a deliberate attempt to absolutely devastate him.

Because Kun looks good, and he knows it. Or at least he should, with the way Ten has all but drooled while staring at him today. With the way they had the briefest moment alone, in a little cubicle in the waiting room that serves as a semi private space for changing, napping, exchanging inkigayo sandwiches, whatever. It's a little partition within a room, so they couldn't make any sound for fear of being heard.

Knowing they only had a few moments, Ten was planning on pushing Kun against the makeshift wall to steal kisses and his breath away. But as soon as they rounded the corner, Ten felt an unforgiving grip on his biceps. Kun spun him around harshly and backed him into the wall. With no words exchanged, their locked eyes spoke volumes - stories of want, seduction, and lust. More than ever, Ten thought that Kun looked absolutely predatory, something about the blue eyes making his gaze look more cold and calculated. His knees threatened to buckle, and he was glad for the wall behind him, and for Kun's insistent grip on him.

Kun had simultaneously moved one hand to cover Ten's mouth and the other to tangle into his hair, pulling hard enough to draw out a whimper.

"Yeah, just like that, kitten." Kun whispered close. Ten didn't know what he did right, but the praise went straight to his cock. Kun glanced down between them and smirked, releasing Ten and sauntering off without so much as a kiss.

"See you on stage," he had called as he exited the little room. Ten picked up a cushion from the floor to throw at him, but he was already out of sight. Instead he pressed the little pillow to his face and screamed.

But now. Now they're in the van, Kun is a row in front of him and Ten is alternating between staring daggers into the back of his head and glaring at his unfairly attractive reflection in the rearview. How dare Kun cause him to be uncomfortable in his tight pants right before their stage!

Actually, Ten wonders, is this what it feels like for Kun every time? He can't even count how many times he's tried to rile Kun up in public. This sudden thought has him feeling a little guilty. Just a little. He decides maybe he should make it up to Kun with an apology. A real one, the kind where you get down on your knees and beg. Yeah, he should definitely apologize.

While Ten is lost in thought about how exactly he can make it up to Kun, the van arrives at the company building. They have dance practice later, after a break for them to eat and change. Ten hops out of the van and wants to steal Kun away, but their manager is walking and talking with him intently. From what he can pick up, it sounds like Kun and Xiaojun are being pulled away for some sort of brief meeting about a possible unit with the two of them.

Ten is a little crestfallen, having waited so long to break the tension that's been building all day. Not just today actually, but for the last couple months. While they've had little moments here and there, and that one eventful morning in the hotel a few weeks back (Ten suddenly feels flushed just thinking about it), their packed schedules and lack of privacy are ever present issues. The amount of times they've had a chance only to be cock blocked had become almost comical to Ten. Almost.

But as someone who is normally very active in his sexual life, he can't bring himself to laugh at the frustrating situation. He wonders why this has never been an issue before, and quickly realizes that he's never limited himself to one partner, at least not for very long. Why is he even doing so? They're not dating officially, and he knows Kun is okay with him being with other people. He's just been so focused on Kun lately, he hasn't even thought of the possibility of sleeping with anyone else. Maybe he should though, to ease some of his own tension. He's been so high strung these days that even Yangyang has been uncharacteristicly obedient, as if he's afraid to face Ten's wrath.

Right as he's thinking of who he could contact, mentally flipping through the pages of his imaginary little black book of hookups, he runs into two familiar faces in the lobby.

"Oh? Tennie!" Taemin calls, waving at him excitedly. Taeyong is smiling next to him.

"Wah, Taemin hyung, Taeyong hyung!" Ten beams back at them. "What are you up to?"

"Taemin hyung is filming an mv today for Shinee's repackage, he was just telling me about the set. It's underwater themed!" Taeyong says excitedly with wide eyes.

"There's a giant fish painted on the wall and stuff, Taeyongie would love it," Taemin laughs, eyes squinching up cutely. Looking closer, Ten realizes his lavender grey hair looks freshly dyed. It's no wonder Shinee is having a comeback soon. The company seems to be squeezing every ounce of content they can out of Taemin before his looming enlistment. But like Ten himself, Taemin thrives when he's kept busy, as long as it's busy doing what he loves.

"So, we don't have any SuperM schedules for now, right? And then Taemin hyung is enlisting." Ten says. "I wonder if we'll have any time..." he lowers his voice and trails off as a staff member passes by.

Taeyong's expressions suddenly changes to something a little unreadable, "for my turn you mean? I heard that you might not be available for that kind of thing any more," he finishes quietly, a slight pout in his voice.

Ten scoffs in surprise, "Where do you even hear these things?"

"Your babies talk to my babies." Taeyong shrugs, referring to nct maknae line's gossip mill. He didn't think Yangyang had quite caught on to them yet, but maybe he's been too focused on Kun to notice. He wonders how obvious they've been, until he sees that Taeyong is still looking at him expectantly, one eyebrow raised.

"What's this about? Someone managed to pin down our Tennie?" Taemin asks, eyes shining with curiosity as he looks between them.

"Ugh, I wish he'd pin me down." Ten groans. "Hyungs, do you have a minute? Let's get some coffee and I'll fill you in."

---

With his meeting finished, Kun walks down the hall that leads to his studio. He had really been hoping to spend some time with Ten, even just a moment, before their dance practice begins. He hadn't known about the impromptu meeting with the company, but hearing that he and Xiaojun are going to promote as a unit is boosting his confidence even further than it already was today, so he can't complain too much. He had texted Ten as soon as the meeting was over, but the message is still unread. For now, he'll go to his studio and listen to the potential tracks that the company just gave him.

As he rounds a corner, he hears a pretty laugh, one that he knows so well. There are other voices mixed in, people talking in hushed tones so he can't quite make out what they're saying. Someone must be in the little sitting area that's down this hallway. Since it's near all the little closet-sized personal studios for the members of various groups and there's generally no staff around, it's a go-to spot for people from different groups to hang out and speak comfortably.

He wonders who Ten is meeting with here, and as he gets closer he can tell the voices aren't exactly unfamiliar. He even thinks he hears one of them say his name. Finally reaching the end of the hall and peeking in to the little tucked away area, he first sees someone with silvery lavender hair deep in conversation with Ten, they're at an angle where he can't quite see their face.

Beside the pair is Taeyong, who is currently looking a bit scandalized, one hand in front of his mouth. He's the first to notice Kun, his acuity as a leader making him the one who's more alert to potential eavesdroppers. When his eyes land on Kun they go even wider, and his hand falls from his face as his jaw drops open a little in shock. He catches himself almost immediately, clacking his mouth shut and moving his eyes away from Kun's quickly. Kun wonders if their nct leader has always been this cute. He'd always found him just a little bit intimidating, but knowing what he knows now, he's seeing him in a different light.

Speaking of intimidating, the lavender haired person turns a little to look at Taeyong who's trying to get their attention, and Kun can now see that it's Taemin. THE Taemin. Even just thinking his name without adding sunbaenim feels blasphemous. But there he is, giggling and playfully shoving Ten in the most down to earth way. It's so weird to see them together in person like this, eyes crinkled at each other in mutual fondness. Kun remembers when he first joined the company as a trainee, spotting Shinee in the halls was an otherworldly experience, they seemed like such distant, untouchable creatures. A goal to meet, a level to strive for, an ideal to reach. Taemin had lavender hair then too, a more rich purple shade at the tips of platinum locks. And since then, he's acheived even more than he already had at that point, establishing himself firmly as a one of Korea's most wildly successful solo artists. Newer kids joining the company cite him as their inspiration for going into music, succeeding the Rain and Boa fans of the last generation.

At some point Taeyong is successful in getting the attention of the other two, Taemin and Ten both following his eyes to Kun. They each glance quickly before turning back to each other and talking in hushed tones, but the way Ten and Taemin's eyes had widened slightly is just as satisfying as the same look from Taeyong.

Kun starts to walk over as they continue to pretend they haven't seen him in an almost comical way, pressing closer to each other to get a few last whispers in as he approaches. Taemin is clutching Ten's forearm and pulling him close, Taeyong has an arm slung around Ten's shoulder as he leans in to whisper something. They're glancing at him a little more obviously now. They're putting on a show.

Kun feels a current of possessiveness spark through him. Not in a jealous sort of way, rather, he has this urge to prove himself in front of these two. Prove what? That he deserves Ten, maybe. That he can handle him. That he's good for him, that Ten wants him. That he can give Ten what they couldn't, really. What he needs. Without even realizing it he's staring Ten down and stalking directly for him. He catches himself just in time to play it a little more cool, slowing down his gait as he finally reaches them. He can feel the tension that had bubbled up start to cool back down, now reduced to a background simmer in the air as he finally speaks.

"Ten, here you are." Kun smiles, and it's his lovely, good natured smile, but there's a bit of an edge to it. That cocky edge that he gets when he knows he looks too good, and it'd almost be infuriating if it wasn't so goddamn attractive.

"Good afternoon, Taemin sunbaenim, Taeyong hyung. I hope you've both been well." Kun greets respectfully with a small bow, before pulling up a chair and sidling up next to Ten's unoccupied right side. Taeyong is sitting on Ten's left and Taemin is across the small table from them both.

Taeyong is slightly more poker faced as he returns Kun's greeting, but Taemin has curiosity written all over his expression as he purrs, "Why, Qian Kun-ssi, it's so good to see you again."

"Oh please, sunbaenim, you don't have to be so formal with me," Kun is playing at flustered, but it's just how these Korean formalities go.

"I could say the same thing. Why don't you call me hyung? Tennie calls me hyung, don't you?" he asks, turning towards Ten at the end. Kun suddenly realized that Taemin's eyes have changed. His gaze had transmuted from cheerful to just the slightest bit sensual at some point, and Kun didn't quite notice when.

"Ne, hyung." Ten says with a small smile and a slight blush.

"Isn't it so cute when he says it, too? When he calls you hyung?" Taemin's magnetic gaze is on Kun now.

Kun returns his gaze and answers, "I wouldn't quite know, he calls me something different." Keeping his eyes locked with Taemin's, he addresses Ten in Mandarin, "Don't you, kitten?"

Kun punctuates the question with a squeeze of Ten's thigh under the table. Ten looks at him sideways before gracing him with a sly smile and tilting his head as he responds, "Kun ge," with a playfully accusatory tone. His demeanor makes him look just like a cat that is very pleased with its owner, pulling Kun's eyes back to him with a gravity stronger than anyone's.

If Taeyong's look is anything to go by, something must have changed in Kun's expression, his body responding in kind to Ten. Taeyong and Taemin are staring at the two of them, the air between them charged in a way that would normally make onlookers feel uncomfortable and awkward. But these two weren't just any outsiders, after all.

"I'd call you whatever you want if it'd get you to look at me like that," Taeyong half-mumbles casually, but his eyes are looking Kun up and down in a less than subtle way.

"Get you a man who..." Taemin smirks at Taeyong while cocking his head towards Kun (who is still looking at Ten like he wants to devour him), happy to use a new slang phrase he learned from Key.

"Yes, exactly. Get me a man who." Taeyong pouts at Taemin.

Their antics finally get Kun's attention, as he scoffs out a laugh and smiles prettily at Taeyong, while at the same moment he grabs Ten by the hair and pulls swiftly. Being taken so off guard and so publicly, Ten lets out a breathy sound of appreciation before he can stop himself. Kun's attention turns back to him, and it's subtle but he's asking a question with his eyes. Is this okay? Ten responds with a quiet hum and rolls his eyes back, closing them as he arches his neck more in an offer. Kun leans in close like he's going to bite him, or kiss him, or something--until he stops just short of doing so and says just above a whisper, "Do you like to watch?"

With his lips so close to Ten's neck, he glances up at Taeyong, who is staring at them with darkened eyes, enraptured in their show, a captive audience. Taeyong's breath catches in his throat as he takes in the scene right next to him - Ten teetering on the edge of subspace, and a side of Kun he never in a million years could imagine. And together, they are an absolute work of art. Ten had just been telling them how seductive Kun is, and Taeyong couldn't even fathom it. But now that those dark eyes are looking into his own, Ten's words resonate. Ten had also spoken in frustration that they hadn't even had sex yet. But the way Ten slowly opens his eyes and is immediately staring at Taeyong too, like he predicted what Kun was doing, speaks to a connection between the two of them, echoing what could already be felt in the air around them. Taeyong is shocked these two could be so in synch when they hadn't even fucked yet.

"Wow," Taemin says with a quiet laugh, garnering everyone's attention. "I guess I don't have to worry about you boys when I leave." He's smirking suggestively at them while still managing to look genuinely happy.

Ten feels a slow return to reality as he asks sluggishly, "you're leaving so soon?"

"I meant when I enlist. But also yeah, hyungs will come fetch me soon, I'm filming today, remember?"

As if on cue, a voice booms down the hallway. "Yah, Lee TaeMIN! Where are you?" A few footsteps later, a tall figure rounds the corner into the sitting area.

Choi Minho is staring at Taemin with flaming eyes. He looks good, with short bleached hair and tan skin, somehow looking amicably angry. Taemin smiles up at him innocently while the rest of them just stare at the man. Kun realizes that no matter how much time passes, it's still an otherworldly experience to run into Shinee in the halls.

"Don't yell at Taemin in front of..." Kibum starts as he catches up to Minho, stopping to catch his breath. He looks exasperated, but then again it must be difficult to keep up with Minho's long strides while wearing Gucci loafers. "in front of his Super..." he scrunches his brows in confusion as he looks around the table, "Way...CT...friends. Or whatever."

"Oh, hi!" Minho shoots them a quick charming smile before turning back to Taemin with a fondly annoyed look, "c'mon, Jinki hyung is already waiting in the car." It's not clear if he notices the three others melting at the little bit of attention from him, but someone else certainly does.

"HERE." Key says as he slams something down on the table. "Why did you ask for this anyway? I'm such a good hyung I dropped everything after getting your text and tore the dorm apart to find it for you." he says dramatically, looking at Taemin with narrowed eyes.

"Technically I found it." Minho points out from behind Kibum, who had stepped in front of him at some point.

"Thanks hyung! It's not for me," Taemin says as he slides the small package across the table towards Ten. It's a two-pack of some little piece of hardware. One is missing from the torn open blister pack, but one remains. It takes Kun several seconds to realize what the little joined bits of metal are.

"The only way to get privacy around here is to make your own," Taemin winks at Ten, and then holds up a hand which Minho immediately takes to pull him up from the chair. "I've done my good deed for the day. Bye, dongsaengs!"

Minho pushes Taemin towards the hall, then turns to politely bow at the seated boys and sends them a slightly suggestive smile after glancing down at the package on the table. "Have fun?" he says with a raised eyebrow before turning to follow Taemin out. Kibum remains for a moment, watching as all three of them stare at Minho's back. He steps in front of them, blocking their line of sight to Minho once again.

"Get your own, honey." He deadpans, before catching up to Minho in a few determined steps and linking his arm around him, turning to give them a final glance as they round the corner out of view. He had seemed so serious and a little scary, but his last look is gleeful, and his laugh rings out brightly after they're no longer in view.

The three at the table let out a collective breath.

"God, why is it still so intense to talk to them." Taeyong sighs. "I've barely gotten used to being around Taemin hyung."

"Really?" Kun chuckles. "I've heard you're pretty close."

"Oh, have you now?" Taeyong says, and from the confidence in his voice it's clear that he's back in his comfort zone, in his leader mode with only his own group members around. It seems like he's trying to be intimidating, and for the second time Kun finds him very cute.

"Mm. A little kitten told me." Kun says, completely unfazed as he looks at Ten and gently pulls him into his lap. Ten blushes a little, and Kun could feel his heartbeat pick up speed from where he's holding his wrist. Kun is getting closer and closer to outright calling Ten kitten in front of others. He'll have to check in with him later to make certain it's okay before actually doing so.

"Hmm. A bad kitten told you secrets?" Taeyong can't quite make eye contact with Ten as he says this, instead looking at where Kun's other hand rests on Ten's waist.

Kun's face drops into something more serious, and he looks between Ten and Taeyong. "Shit. Was I not supposed to know?" he asks with concern palpable in his voice.

"No, no it's fine!" Taeyong rushes to say. "We made a promise that we wouldn't tell anyone unless..." he trails off and finally makes eye contact with Ten.

"Unless it's someone who we trust fully, wholly, and completely," Ten finishes, looking down at the table before feeling Kun's hold tighten on him, prompting him to look up and meet Kun's soft gaze.

The air is now charged in a different way, and Taeyong smiles gently before standing up and laughing, "You guys are lowkey gross so I'm gonna just go. Congrats on gaining a high level item. It pays off to have friends in high places, huh? Now go get a room." He scoffs as he tugs on Kun's arm, effectively pulling Ten's captive hand towards him, and and puts the little package in his palm. He turns on his heel to leave, mumbling something to himself.

Ten stares down at the metal plates and screws in the package and says, "I've been wondering this the whole time but, what the hell IS this?"

Kun looks at him and swallows once before revealing, "It's a door lock. A slide bolt, to be exact."

"Oh. OHHH."

Deleted Scene

LowLow has been added to "sPiLL tHe TeA" group chat

LowLow:
OK who tf keeps kicking me from the gc??!

37.5% chance of 🌞:
Ikr that's the worst! Who is doing that to Yangyang?!

LowLow:
I keep having to bribe Haechan into letting me back in

RonJon:
While we're at it who keeps changing my name to this bastardization? 🙄

NoJaem:
Haechan, you're the onlyyyy~ admin in this gc

CrazyRichChenle:
Oooh them's fighting words

TallerThanYou:
🍿 👁️👄👁️

37.5% chance of 🌞:
*gasp*
Jaemin.
What are you trying to say?

SamoyedPuppy:
Someone changed my name too ☹️

NoJaem:
It's simple really
I have deduced the answer
.
.
.
.

SamoyedPuppy:
What's happening

TallerThanYou:
Aaaand we lost him

CrazyRichChenle:
@NoJaem AND THEN?

LowLow:
Why do I want to be in this chat tbh

37.5% chance of 🌞:
OK fine I admit it!  I will come clean out of my deep respect for you all, and my guilt for hiding this power!

RonJon:
Here we go 🙃

37.5% chance of 🌞:
It's true! I'm the only one with the authority to kick or rename people.

LowLow:
Uhhh. Then like, why did you kick me out and then let me back in?

CrazyRichChenle:
*in Mandarin* if you're looking for logic you asked the wrong person yy

RonJon:
xixixixi

37.5% chance of 🌞:
See! This is exactly what I'm talking about. Their are RULES here in "spill the tea", which I wouldn't have to explain again if anyone ever read the pinned announcement!

TallerThanYou:
Enlighten us, oh great admin

37.5% chance of 🌞:
A) chat in our common language so we can all understand
B) no tea will go unspilt
C) I have the right to change names as I see fit
D) I have the right to kick members that don't comply

LowLow:
I'm pretty sure I've never broken any of those tho?

37.5% chance of 🌞:
You have failed to contribute to the nct news cycle

LowLow:
The what now

37.5% chance of 🌞:
And you are the sole WayV correspondent!! Which is why I keep letting you back in!  We rely on you for WayV information!

RonJon:
I mean I'm at the wavy dorm pretty often so.

RonJon:
Not that I want to "report" on it

37.5% chance of 🌞:
Yanggie, brother. I am simply asking you to refresh us with some delicious tea

LowLow:
You want like, gossip?

TallerThanYou:
That's exactly what he wants, unfortunately

LowLow:
Also why not invite hendery or xiaojun?

37.5% chance of 🌞:
Bc this is an '00 chat ofc

LowLow:
Then what is Jisung doing here

TallerThanYou:
Yes why am I here

NoJaem:
Bc you're my child and I said so

LowLow:
Also isn't Chenle 01?  And where's Shotaro, he's 00 too.

CrazyRichChenle:
I'm one of the only people who will actually gossip with Haechan, and we did add Shotaro at one point

TallerThanYou:
I think Jaemin hyung scared him off with his weirdness

NoJaem:
Allegedly.

Shota🦦:
...im still here...just reading is fun ☺️

Sungchan:
Haechan added me too but I mostly just lurk. Me and @shota don't exactly have fixed units to gossip about 😕

37.5% chance of 🌞:
Yes, see, we're all a big happy family and we're pissed that the newbies don't have a unit yet. But, we're getting distracted from the topic at hand

RonJon:
Which is...

37.5% chance of 🌞:
WAYV GOSSIP!

LowLow:
*sigh*
Fine.

RonJon:
You don't have to yangyang

LowLow:
No its okay, I actually have been kinda sorta dying to tell someone about this horrible thing I accidentally saw.

37.5% chance of 🌞:
👁️👄👁️👂
Do tell!

LowLow:
First, none of you even asked about my display name. It's a new song, me and Ten are going to perform as a unit later this year!

37.5% chance of 🌞:
Oooh! 👏👏👏👏👏

RonJon:
Eehhh! That's great news!!
(also tell Ten 😘 from me)

LowLow:
I hate you
Buuuut, speaking of Ten. And kissing.

37.5% chance of 🌞:
DO. TELL. 🍵

LowLow:
Ok so, this is what happened...

Chapter Text

As soon as he had a free day, Kun had rummaged through their dorm to find a tool kit. He had screwdrivers for his drone but they were all too small for the larger screws that the slide bolt came with. He found a larger screwdriver, and is now currently in his studio trying desperately to get a screw into a metal door frame with sheer grip strength. It's not going very well. But he's holding out hope - maybe he needs a power drill to make a pilot hole or something, but he does know it's possible.

He knows, because he remembers having seen a lock on someone's studio door before. Of course at the time, it never occurred to him that it could have been self installed. He just assumed it was something that was earned, a request granted for a senior artist of the company after proving their worth and responsibility. He figured it'd be years before it would even be considered appropriate for him to ask for such a thing. So he's eternally grateful to Taemin for giving them the lock. While the cost was surely insignificant, the bold idea to self install it was a conclusion he would have never come to on his own. He also feels assured that if more than one idol at their agency has done this, it must be something the staff knows and they just look the other way about it.

This wouldn't be the first time he's come across a secret practice or an unspoken rule. So many things like this are hush-hush, and in his early days in Korea he'd often make an ass of himself by asking too many questions, due largely in part to his nature of wanting to know things and do things correctly, especially in a foreign land. But being the quick study that he is, he soon learned when to keep quiet, how to get the information he needed in a more roundabout way, how to be attuned to people's expressions and body language so he doesn't pry when he shouldn't. He doesn't really know which of all the social quirks he's learned are general Korean things or just idol culture that's specific only to their field, or even just their company.

Thinking down this line, Kun realizes this must be one of the reasons he's so drawn to Ten, so comfortable with him. Ten is anything but subtle. He's straightforward, and honest, and so very free. Kun never feels like he's walking on eggshells around him, like he often feels about other people.  He truly feels like he can be himself around Ten. And it's different from the ease and comradarie he feels from fellow Chinese idols - his wayv members, the Dream kids, even sunbaes from other groups, like Junhui.  Chinese kpop idols have this way of making eye contact across a room and just becoming magnets for each other, it's so easy to make friends. They share a unique experience, after all, in addition to a language. In fact, some of those Korean cultural nuances he's picked up have been passed down to him by Chinese idols in his same situation, giving him a heads up about what they've learned.

But no, it's not the foreigner bond that made Ten stand out to him. They still had language barriers to overcome, each other's cultures, customs, and humor to learn. Yet, unlike any of his peers, everything about Ten just feels effortless to Kun.  He's so easy to talk to, easy to understand, easy to make fun of, easy to challenge, easy to...

Kun startles when the door handle rattles, dropping his screwdriver. The door swings open and an older man around his grandfather's age is staring at him, just as startled. Kun recognizes him as one of the building's maintenence workers, a kind man who always smiles and greets everyone politely in the hallways.

"Sorry," Kun says, slipping into mandarin by accident as he had just been deep in thought in his native language. Before he could correct himself the older man responds.

"Mei shi, it's alright," he says with a smile, "you just surprised me, I didn't think anyone was in here."

"You speak mandarin?" Kun questions, a bit shocked by the man's initial response.

"Just a little, I was chasing a lass who was Chinese back in my younger days, so I picked up a phrase or two. What do you have there?"

Kun looks down in his hand and realizes he's holding the lock in plain sight. He quickly closes his fingers around it, laughing nervously. The man glances down at the screwdriver Kun dropped, then at the scratched metal door frame, and then back to Kun. He lets out a hearty laugh and pats Kun on the shoulder.

"You must be a very determined young man, but you're not going to get a screw through that frame without a power tool. Come with me, I have a drill in the supply closet that you can borrow."

The kind old man turns and starts walking away, and Kun has to pick his jaw up off the floor. Frozen still for a second, he finally follows when the man looks over his shoulder and chastises him in Mandarin, asking what are you waiting for?

-----

Kun is waiting for Ten. They just finished dance practice but as always Ten has stayed behind to work on something or other - either perfecting his dance break, practicing a little routine he is working on to post on Instagram, or just freestyling.  Kun doesn't know for sure which it is, as he's currently having a bit of an out-of-body experience.

He's sitting, catching his breath...but he's also beside Ten, tracing the lines of his body with his hands...no, just with his eyes. Limbs contort and thighs flex. Hips roll and feet glide. And that sinful face that peeks out from underneath a black bucket hat. Kun can't see Ten's eyes, just his lips that snarl in time with a powerful move, or drop open sensually while he drags his hands across his own body, or move to the words of the song he's dancing to.

But Kun can't hear the music any longer. He can only hear the rush of his own blood. Ten had been dancing so skillfully their entire practice session as always, but he could only pay so much attention as he had to focus on himself and the other members, too. And now that he can just sit and observe, he wonders if it was like this the whole time, or if Ten is doing this now on purpose. Performing for an audience of one. Kun decides to become the audience that Ten wants, that he deserves.

-----

Ten is definitely doing this on purpose.

He's dancing intently, fueled by the heat of Kun's gaze. He's pushing him, waiting for him to snap. But it's almost as if Kun is stuck in a trance, stark still on the couch with one leg over the other, his arms crossed, his expression serious. He almost looks mean, which is making Ten want to try all the more.

Perfect, composed, nice Kun, is staring him down with near disdain. It's thrilling, and makes him pause his routine for a few moments as he just stares back daringly, basking in the attention with labored breaths. With his lack of motion, it seems that Kun's trance is finally broken. He stands, and stalks directly up to Ten.

The air is heavy with anticipation as Kun brings his hand slowly up to Ten's jaw, almost like something choreographed. But then he grips it relentlessly as he pulls Ten in.

"My studio. 15 minutes," Kun drawls, while his eyes trace over every feature on Ten's face. The scrutiny is almost agonizing. Ten wants to nod in affirmative but finds he can't move his head, so he opens his mouth silently as he tries to find the words. It's so rare that he's speechless, usually having a quippy response to just about anything.

Kun smirks and presses his fingers into Ten's mouth as he asks, "What do good boys say?"

Ten's legs start to shake as he answers, as best he can around Kun's fingers, "Yes, ge."  And he wants to be good, but he can't stop himself from pressing his teeth into Kun harshly, looking into Kun's eyes to gauge his reaction.

Kun's little hiss of pain turns into a laugh as he pulls his hand away, "but really you're just a bad kitten, aren't you. 15 minutes, sharp." He saunters out of the room without looking back.

Ten's legs finally give out, and he falls on his ass, albeit gracefully.  No one has ever made him feel quite like this before, despite having experience with several partners. He's always known he was into praise, but it often felt so hollow and placating from his previous partners. When Kun praises him, he believes it, and it's been like that since before they started this - whatever it is. He's always sought Kun's warm approval, even though he'd never admit it.

But before this, he's surprisingly never enjoyed being talked down to. It always just felt too real, probably because some of his past flings or boyfriends really did think poorly of him. When they called him a whore or a slut, they were truly looking down on him for it. Even with his more kind partners, he never told them how he felt about this sort of down talking, and of course they'd end up doing it to him as part of their scenes. It's something that just goes hand in hand with the kind of rough sex he enjoys, so he always sort of accepted it as something he was supposed to like, something he had to put up with to get the rest of what he wanted.

When Kun looks down at him though, when Kun talks to him like he's beneath him, he suddenly understands why Taeyong begs to be called a dirty little whore. Why Taemin keens when Ten feigns disinterest in him. Why any of his past partners thought he might enjoy being talked down to. For the first time, Ten has someone else on a bit of a pedestal. And when  that person spares him a glance, whether it's a smile or a scowl, he feels seen. And for someone whose positivity is so constant, whose smiles are given so freely, to look at him with a rare expression of disgust? Ten must be so very important to him, mustn't he? For Kun to only show that face to him alone is something special and rare. He can't wait to see it again.

Ten gets up, realizing several minutes must have passed already, as he's caught his breath and his sweat has nearly dried. Reality suddenly hitting him, he jumps up, grabs his bag and jogs to the nearest bathroom on this floor, stripping out of his dance practice clothing. He thanks his past self for having the foresight to bring a change of clothes as he freshens up as best he can at the small sink. He doesn't know exactly what is going to happen but he wants to be clean for it.

One thing he does know is that he owes Kun that apology, for teasing him all the time. He rummages through his bag and is pleased to find a glossy, tinted lip balm that he had gotten for free from a beauty brand he's working out a modeling deal with. After changing into an oversized black v-neck sweater that threatens to slip off his shoulder and a pair of skinny jeans, he leans in to the mirror to put the gloss on his lips. From this angle he can see all the way down his shirt, spying his tattoo and his abs...yeah, he's happy with how he looks right now. And the lip tint is just subtle enough to not garner him strange looks in the hallways, but just bold enough that Kun will definitely notice it, especially with the way he looks at Ten like he's taking in and assessing every minute detail. Ten shivers at the memory of Kun's intense gaze.

Re-focusing on himself in the mirror, he realizes how on edge he's become already. He's flushed, starting to breathe a little harder, he can see his heartbeat throb in the vein of his neck, and just seeing himself like this starts to affect him even more. If he had more time he might start touching himself just to see the way his own brows furrow in the reflection. It wouldn't be the first time he's gotten off this way, and it makes him wonder if he's a bit of a narcissist, but he just can't help it as he slides his own hand up his shirt and feels his stomach tense and quiver at the sensation. But the whimper out of his mouth is an unexpected, breathy, "Kun." Well, that's new.

Before Ten has a moment to process that, his phone buzzes in his pocket. He pulls it out and sees a text from Kun.

"Ten." he reads, and he nearly drops his phone in surprise. It's almost like Kun heard him, is responding to him. But that couldn't be, right?

The phone buzzes again.

"Nine."

And a moment later.

"Eight."

"SHIT!" Ten gasps as he registers the countdown, haphazardly throws his belongings in his bag and bolts out the bathroom door. He's not far from Kun's studio, and he sprints down the halls, feeling several buzzes in his pocket as he goes. But before turning the last corner he comes to a sudden halt, chastising himself for acting so whipped. He runs a hand through his hair casually, steadies his breath, and puts on an aloof face as he rounds the corner. Kun is no where in sight, but his studio door stands out starkly in the fluorescent light thanks to a pitch black ribbon tied into a bow on the silver door handle.

Ten approaches cautiously, slowly extending his hand towards the bow, ready to grasp and pull one end. He can see his own hand shaking in anticipation. But before he can curl his fingers around the soft fabric, he simultaneously hears a low chuckle behind him and feels something incredibly cold press to the side of his neck. He shrieks as he jumps about a mile out of his skin and turns to find Kun laughing with two cold drinks in his hands. He flushes with embarrassment.

"QIAN KUN!" he chastises, voice coming out a bit more whiney than he had hoped for.

"Baobei," Kun laughs out, "don't scream my name just yet, we're not even in the soundproofing."

Ten glances back at the studio door mostly to avoid staring at Kun unabashedly. Kun's hair is damp, he must have showered in the 15 minutes they were apart, and he looks so good it's unfair. When Ten looks back to him he's moving to hold both drinks in one hand, the strain of it really showing off his veins. He runs his now free hand through his damp hair, and then steps forward to lean in and whisper in Ten's ear.

"Aren't you going to open your present?"

Ten reaches behind himself where Kun has him nearly pressed against the studio door, and grasps the soft ribbon, pulling it free with a tug. He opens the door and backs in, pulling Kun in after him. Before anything else can be said or done Kun slides the bolt of the lock with a satisfying click.

"Music to my ears," Ten smiles as he touches the lock almost reverently. Privacy is such a rare, special thing in their lives and it still feels so unreal that they've received this luxury. Ten has a sudden rush of gratefulness for his friendship with Taemin.

"Thanks again, Taemin hyung" he mumbles in acknowledgement as his hand finally falls away from the lock, only to be grasped within Kun's grip swiftly.

"Yes, thank you Taeminnie," Kun says the out of character nickname in a saccharine voice, but the gravel in his tone a second later gives Ten whiplash as he continues, "thanks for the meal."

"What do you mean?" Ten is still trying to decipher Kun's words as he feels him gathering both his wrists together and starting to tie them with the black ribbon. He didn't even realize he wasn't still holding it.

"I mean," Kun drawls as he leads Ten to sit on his chair, pushes it against one wall and lifts his hands to catch the ribbon on a coat hook near the door, "that I'm going to devour you, kitten."

Ten closes his eyes and swallows slowly, letting the reality of the situation sink in deliciously. They have privacy, they have time, and Kun has him in the palm of his hands, restricted. It's all catching up to him and his heart starts to pound.

"Fuck," he whispers without opening his eyes.

"Ten, look at me." Kun's tone is strong but soft, and Ten opens his eyes to obey.

"Is this okay? How are your wrists, do they hurt?"

"This is more than okay. This is everything, Kun. This is perfect." Ten struggles to answer, breath already ragged.

"Your wrists."

"It hurts a little but it's good. I'll let you know if it isn't." It's getting harder to talk without whining, with the position he's in right now, and the way Kun is staring at him. He's never felt so intently perceived, not even on stage.

"Good." And Kun looks so pleased when he says it that Ten can't help but whimper now. The look on Kun's face changes, his eyes going dark at the strangled sound.

He stands and picks up one of the canned drinks he had set on the desk. Eyes fixed on Ten's face, he ghosts the cold aluminum over Ten's exposed collar bone before pressing down lightly, being rewarded with a gasp. He uses the bottom of the can to pull the sweater to one side, pushing it off Ten's shoulder.

Ten is a sight below him. Panting, shivering, tied up and helpless. Staring up at him with alternating looks of awe and defiance, fear and adoration. Kun loves how Ten looks at him.

He cracks the drink open and takes a few casual swigs before setting it down and turning back to Ten. He runs a hand from his exposed shoulder, up his throat and to his face, stopping at his glossy lips.

"You dolled yourself up for me, hmm?" he asks as he smudges his thumb through the color, spreading it onto Ten's cheek roughly. "Did you plan on sucking me off? Gonna get on your knees for me?"

Kun kicks Ten's legs apart abruptly and sinks to his own knees. Paired with his sharp words, his actions almost feel like a mockery, a snide mimic of Ten's original intentions. But once he's there, kneeling at Ten's feet, looking up at him from below, there's a brief look of reverence that passes over Kun's features like a wave - crashing, surging forth, and receding just as quickly.

"I have different plans though. I wanted to reward you for being such a good dancer."

Ten keens, back arching at the praise, and he feels like he's being swept away under the riptide of Kun's attention. Kun's mouth drops open on a soft sigh as he begins to run his hands up Ten's thighs. His fingers catch on stray threads where the jeans are aesthetically ripped. And it's rude but something in him compells him to grasp and tug at fibers as harshly as he can, and he's met with a small, satisfying rip of fabric and the sound that rips through Ten's throat a moment later, like a reverberation. He feels drunk on this heady display of cause and effect, the way each dig of his fingers and each glance of his eyes pulls such pleasurable sounds from Ten, such delectable expressions. He feels powerful.

Hands finally leaving Ten's thighs, Kun continues sliding them up until he reaches the edge of his sweater. He pauses a moment before allowing his hands to dip under the fabric and feel Ten's stomach quiver under his feather light touch.

Ten feels his stomach jump and he thanks god that he doesn't embarrassingly say Kun's name like he did alone in the bathroom just minutes ago. And it's a wonder he didn't...if his own touch before was tempting, feeling Kun's warm hands on his bare skin is almost unbearable. The light, teasing touches are affecting him more than he expected. He can only blame the slow, dragging build up that has been their relationship over the past several months. He's felt Kun's hands on him to this extent before, but never with the promise for more. Where Kun's previous advances were rushed, urgent with their time and privacy constraints, right now he's dragging things out like he has all the time in the world to explore every inch of Ten.

At this point Ten's sweater is hiked half way up his torso, and Kun's struggling to keep pushing it up while also mapping out Ten's ribs with his fingertips. He huffs out a frustrated breath, eyebrows knit in annoyance. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to tie Ten's hands before taking his top off. But suddenly Kun gets a better idea, as he grasps the hem of the sweater and pulls it up to Ten's lips.

"Let's put that pretty mouth of yours to work, hmm?"

Ten wants to feign offense but he finds his own jaw slackening as Kun pushes the fabric between his lips and lightly pats under his jaw to encourage him to clench his teeth around it.

"This doesn't mean I don't want to hear you, by the way. Don't hold back."

With that, Kun dips his head down and begins trailing his lips down Ten's chest, reveling in the way he can feel his rapid breaths and pounding heartbeat.

He takes a moment to appreciate the ink adorning Ten's chest. He's always loved the intricate crescent, and has never had the opportunity to run his fingers along it like he's so desperately wanted. Now it's his lips that get to trail the lines, teeth nipping gently along the curve. When he gets close to the nipple, he can feel Ten's breath pick up, squirming in anticipation. He teases his tongue just next to it without making contact before pulling away slightly.

"Kun!" Ten calls through his clenched teeth, and when Kun lifts his face to make eye contact he has to swallow down a groan. Ten's eyes are wet, his nose and cheeks are dusted pink, and he's still holding the edge of his sweater in his mouth. His look is so desperately imploring that Kun can't possibly keep him waiting much longer. But he still feigns confusion as he responds.

"What is it kitten?" he asks, but he doesn't wait for an answer before parting his lips and flicking his tongue against the most sensitive part of Ten's chest.

Ten arcs like an electric shock has gone through him, with a whine pitched higher than Kun has ever heard from him before. Such a strong reaction, Kun makes a mental note even as he continues in a teasing voice, "Why? Did it feel that good?"

Again, the question is rhetorical and half a beat later Kun is bitting harshly in the same spot. Already rough from the start, he's only encouraged to bite even harder by the slew of noises coming out of Ten. He wonders if Ten could come from this alone, but he's not going to find out tonight. Instead he inches his lips down, over Ten's soft stomach, loving every bit of supple flesh that he takes in. He licks at the juncture where Ten's hip bone peeks out from the top of his jeans as his hands travel to the button and zipper. He looks up at Ten, who is staring back at him with a challenge in his eyes, even as wrecked as he looks.

Kun takes up the unspoken dare, takes them farther than they've ever been together before, as he swiftly unfastens the jeans and tugs them down just enough to reveal the hardness under Ten's tight briefs. He wastes no time in dragging his tongue against the fabric, making Ten groan and throw his head back. This close, Kun can smell a soft aroma of soap alongside the delicious musk of Ten's natural scent, and his stomach dips at the thought that he's just moments away from the tasting the most hidden, delectable parts of the beautiful boy in from of him. They've danced around this for weeks, months even, and he can barely believe it's finally happening.

"Eyes on me," Kun commands, and Ten slowly lifts his head and opens his eyes, bringing his gaze to where Kun is inching his briefs down. The tip of his cock is now peeking out from under the black fabric, pink against his pale stomach, and wet with so much precum. He's so focused on himself and this deliciously shameful feeling of exposure that he's caught off guard when Kun suddenly dips forward to take a taste. Kun's tongue swirls around his tip, and then he leans back and shoots Ten a dimpled smirk as he tugs the briefs down, enough for his entire hard on to spring out. There's a bit of a curve to it, something Ten used to be self conscious about until he learned to embrace it, but he's still curious about how Kun will react. He's nervous, if he's being honest.

Kun stares for several seconds, and just when it's about to be an uncomfortable silence he speaks, "How beautiful, how perfect." His tone is hushed, almost a whisper as if his words aren't necessarily for Ten to hear.

While Ten is taking a moment for those words to sink in, Kun surges forward and suddenly Ten's enveloped in the slick heat of his mouth. He throws his head back once more and curses before feeling Kun's lips slide back off of him, and he knows Kun is about to admonish him for looking away. Compelled to impress him, he quickly looks back down, and he's unprepared for the sight beneath him.

Kun's pupils are large and incredibley dark, like black holes that are pulling Ten in, and no longer having to chastise Ten into looking forward, he parts his plush, wet lips and sinks forward slowly and sensually along Ten's dick without breaking eye contact. He reaches halfway down and pulls back just as slowly, and the way his pillowy lips are red and stretched around Ten's cock, the way he's looking at him with such hunger like he's enjoying it, the way he's moving teasingly slow, Ten thinks he looks just like a pornstar. He's acting like one too, with the way he swirls his tongue skillfully around the tip before pulling off with a pop. He pushes his hair back with one hand while licking his lips and catching his breath, and he looks so good it pulls more curses out of Ten than when his lips were on him.

Kun doesn't understand the English words coming out of Ten's mouth, but he's pretty sure they mean he's doing a good job. He opens his mouth and wraps his tongue around Ten's girth, bobbing a couple times to make sure he's all wet, and then grips the lower half that he can't reach with his mouth. He wants to try to go farther eventually, maybe even deep throating, but that's something they can slowly build up to over time. This is his first time, after all. But if Ten's expression and his lewd, muffled moans are anything to judge by, he's doing just fine with the length he can manage right now. So he builds up a rhythm, bobbing wetly around the head while stroking with his hand, and if his other hand is on his own hardness that's straining through his jeans, then Ten doesn't have to know.

Or maybe he does. Actually, he definitely deserves to know how much he's affecting Kun.

All at once he stops. Pulls away from Ten, every touch, every point of contact disconnected. The look of confusion on Ten's face turns into panic as he finally releases the sweater from his mouth, and he's never started to beg so quickly in his life.

"Please Kun, please I'm-- I need your, I need-- PLEASE!" his words come out in a stuttering, gasping mess that only heightens the feeling Kun is basking in. He's resting back on his haunches, crouched comfortably with an expression like he can sit here all day.

"You need what? My mouth?? To finish?" he asks amusedly and then leans in close again, lips so close to the throbbing, leaking tip that Ten can feel his breath, the warmth when he speaks again.

"But what have you even done to deserve it?" he asks.

Chapter Text

Sorry for any confusion, this isn't a story chapter. I posted a new chapter several days ago, and this is the first time I haven't gotten any comments at all, and I would normally also see a Kudo or two come in.

So I have two questions. The first is an interest check - is anyone still interested in reading this story and seeing it continue?

The second is I'm wondering if there was possibly a glitch related to the fact that this is the first time I've used the draft feature? Weirdly, AO3 says this fic was last updated 6/14 but I just updated it a few days ago...and there was never an update in June, the one before this was February...

Maybe therein lies my problem. I take waaaay too long to update and so I've lost anyone who used to be interested in this story 😅 I'm so sorry there have been such huge gaps between updates.

I would love feedback from more established authors, I know I had at least a couple among my readers. Is this kind of drop off normal for a longer fic? Should I have wrapped up a long time ago, maybe made this into a series of shorter, more easily digestable fics? Am I just being waaaay too impatient?

Any advice you can give me would be wonderful, from people who are readers only, too. I'm currently writing my second fic (a svt gyuhao dystopian noir au) but I'm feeling a little disheartened and wondering if I'm doing anything wrong aside from the obvious super inconsistent update schedule. For that reason I'm trying to write several chapters and have a general outline done before I begin posting that one.

Writing this fic, and reading others, has been my little sweet escape in times of uncertainty and harsh reality. I hope that no matter if I get responses to this or not, I will have the motivation to continue doing this. I truly love writing, but I didn't exaggerate in a previous comment when I said that your lovely comments are 95% of why I write this.

TL;DR - I just whined for 7 paragraphs, but please comment if you're still reading. 😁

Chapter Text

Ten is drowning.

The sweat from his brow. The humidity in the air. The saliva dripping down his thigh.

He’s surrounded by Kun’s presence, much more than just where they’re connected - Kun’s hands, breath, and eyes on him like a riptide pulling him under. Everything about this moment has him sinking to the depths of a desire so immense, having been built up after months of torment. He had been so, SO close a moment ago when Kun suddenly stopped and pulled away, like a powerful wave receding from the shore.

But what have you done to deserve it? Kun had questioned, his aloof tone at odds with the carnivorous look in his eyes.

Ten swallows hard as he considers how best to earn his reward. But his throat feels too parched to speak, dry from his moans and whimpers, and not to mention how long he’d had his sweater held between his teeth like the good boy he’s trying to be. He’s relieved when Kun takes the lead, making it clear the question was rhetorical.

Kun slowly rises from where he’d been crouched between Ten’s knees, and for a moment his gaze can only be described as calculating, as if he too is still considering what should be done with the desperate slut in front of him. Ten is panting up at him with a bewildered look, his frantic begging from moments ago still echoing in Kun’s ears. Kun grasps his tied wrists, yanking the ribbon off the coat hook it’d been caught on. Ten is pulled up and out of the chair, which is shoved back under the desk to get it out of their way as much as possible. The space they stand in now is limited, but there’s enough room for Kun to push Ten slowly down, down to his knees in front of Kun.

And if he was parched before, Ten’s mouth feels so wet now, he’s practically drooling, tongue heavy with want and the implication of what’s to come. He swallows and glances up at Kun as if he needs permission to touch him.

The sight before Kun is too much, as he stares down at a version of Ten who is out of his mind with lust - docile and hesitant, that usually proud face and cocky smile replaced with a visage that says “I’m yours, what can I do to please you.” Kun takes in a steadying breath and steps forward until Ten is nearly backed against the wall. Ten doesn’t have to even think about what to do, because Kun is so close now, his only option is to mouth at him through his pants. He inhales sharply when his lips make contact with the rough material, and he can feel the hardness underneath.

As he moves, breathing shallowly against Kun, Ten’s bottom lip catches against the fabric and is pulled down, revealing an obscene view of tongue and teeth and hot, pink wetness, and Kun wants nothing more than to ruin that perfection. He tears his eyes away and takes a moment to assess their position, and notices Ten’s tied hands are pinned between the two of them. He takes a half step back to rearrange them, but the confused whimper that leaves Ten has him chuckling lowly.

“Impatient. I can’t have you touching yourself and coming so quickly, can I?” Kun lilts as he holds Ten’s hands up and carefully steps through them, so that Ten’s captive arms are now looped around him. He guides Ten’s hands to rest on the waistband at his lower back, and Ten curls his fingers into the fabric and tugs on it, huffing out a frustrated sigh when the clothing doesn’t yield. Kun smiles down at him, a devastating, dimple-blessed smile. "So, so impatient, kitten," he whispers, and reaches down to lift Ten's chin and look into his eyes.

Ten is looking up at him, with trust and adoration, with desire and frustration, with something else Kun can't quite identify. His emotions dance on his face, and Kun can't follow every step just yet, but he can learn. He's always been a quick study. He locks eyes with Ten, holds his gaze with equally blown-out pupils, and slowly moves his hand away from Ten's face so he can unfasten his own pants. Ten doesn't whine at their parting this time. Their eyes are still connected, communicating without words. I'm here, I'm yours, you have me. The air is close, the tension is sweet with the promise of breaking.

Kun takes a half step back as he pulls his hardness out of his pants, and he knows he's never been this worked up before, not even with all the teasing he's endured these few months, or the hotel wakeup call that still felt like a dream. Ten is real, is solid, is right in front of him, and is slowly, slowly breaking their intense eye contact and trailing his eyes down Kun's body like he's unwrapping a lavish gift and savoring every moment of it. When his eyes finally fall on the most secret part of Kun, they sparkle and blow impossibly wider, before fluttering closed for a moment while his nails dig in to the soft flesh at the base of Kun's spine.

"M-may I?" he says, looking into Kun's eyes again, and speaking through a shiver.

"Are you okay? Comfortable?" Kun says with a touch of concern, and the touch of his hand in Ten's hair, sweeping it out of his face to see him better.

"Mmmhmm," Ten says like a purr, "I'm okay, Kun ge. I'm...I've never been more okay." He ever so lightly touches his cheek to Kun's cock, unintentionally dragging through the lipgloss Kun had smeared there earlier. Kun swallows and gives him a nod, his fingers intertwining into Ten's long hair. Even the lightest touch from Ten has sent electric pulses up his spine. He's not really sure how he's going to survive actually being enveloped in that perfect pink mouth, being so intimately connected with the sinful creature before him. He hardens his face, tightens his grip, and says in a mix of gentle roughness, "Go ahead then, beautiful. Show me how good you are."

Anyone walking in the hallway right now might hear the faintest sounds and think that someone was recording a bittersweet ballad, belting loud enough to be heard through well-installed soundproofing.

Inside the studio, is darkness. Kun's eyes are squeezed shut. He's vibrating with a pleasure unlike any he's ever known. Bolts of electricity are running through him at a frequency that matches Ten's deliberately slow pace, as his tongue drags up the underside, and back down, as teeth nip along the length, as he takes nearly the whole thing in and to the back of his throat in one fluid motion, then pulls back painfully slowly.

Inside the studio, is a symphony. Ragged panting punctuated with curses and moans that Kun didn't even know he was capable of. He's suddenly brought back into himself with a particularly loud cry as Ten pulls off completely and the cold air kisses his leaking tip. Kun opens his eyes to see ceiling tiles, not having realized that his head was thrown back. He looks back down and sees Ten looking up at him expectantly, with quickened breath but an almost smug look of anticipation. He knows how good he is, and for the first time Kun does feel a little spark of jealously at those that have come before him with Ten kneeling at their feet like this.

But even if Ten wasn't amazing at this, Kun knows he'd still be drowning. Ten could be a sloppy mess and it'd still be the best thing he's ever felt. Not only because of his inexperience, but because it's Ten. It's his Ten. Ten is on his knees for him, and that alone is enough to set him on fire.

But his baobei is waiting for praise, and he has definitely earned it.

"Ten, Tennie..." he furrows his brows with frustration at not even having the words for this pleasure, and before he can catch his breath to say more, Ten is backing himself up as much as he can, fully pressing into the wall behind him, and opening his mouth in a clear invitation. His tongue trails across his bottom lip and stays out, curling a bit as if to beckon Kun forward. His eyes are locked to Kun's once again, this time with a wild dare in their depths. Kun's knees feel weak and almost buckle under him, and for a second he considers pulling the chair back over and sitting down to let Ten come to him. But he can't refuse this invitation, and he instead leans forward, bracing himself with his forearm on the wall and resting his forehead against it. With his other hand, he lines himself up and back into the perfect wetness of Ten's awaiting mouth, slowly pushing deeper than he'd been before, and knowing that this time, he was being asked to take the lead. Gladly.

As soon as Kun finds his pace, something overcomes him. He bucks his hips forward with a little more strength and is rewarded with a moan vibrating all around his length. He echoes the sound, octaves deeper through clenched teeth, and harshly hooks his fingers under Ten's jaw. His thumb presses hard into Ten's cheek, and the feeling of his own cock sliding along it snaps the last thread of sanity that was holding him back. Somewhere in the depths of his subconsciousness he's glad for all of Ten's whispered threats and promises, glad he knows exactly what Ten is capable of and that this isn't going to hurt him, because he knows any doubt would have kept him from fully letting down all of his walls and giving in to the most base, mindless urges coursing through his veins.

He feels a sense of absolute power as he drives harshly into Ten's mouth over and over again, knowing he's in control of his airway. Ten exists and breathes just for him in this moment. His hand finds its way back to Ten's hair and pulls harder than ever, just to feel how it makes the jaw around him tighten. He hears himself singing praises like the prayers of a too-far-gone sinner, and he doesn't even recognize his own voice. The strength in it, the commanding tone, and the way it's making Ten's brows raise up and knit together in tormented pleasure as he whimpers with his mouth stuffed full - this is all him, this is purely Kun, and he wonders where this side of him has been hiding all this time.

He feels close, so close. He warns Ten, "Baobei, kitten, where do you want it?" He pulls back to let Ten answer, but is a beat too late - Ten had drawn in a short, choking breath and licked his lips to answer with flushed skin, bruised lips, and wet eyes - but suddenly Kun is screaming "Wait, f-fuck, FUCK-" and spasming as hot cum lands across Ten's face in thick, white trails. Ten rasps out a broken complaint and rushes to catch the rest of Kun's orgasm in his mouth, enveloping his cock again and swallowing it down along with the rest of his release. He hums with a weak but pleased tone as he pulls back off slowly.

Kun has just enough of a braincell left to reach behind him and pull the ribbon until it releases Ten's wrists, and then he slumps down to his knees across from Ten, his head resting on Ten's shoulder as he gasps for air. He lifts his head to look at Ten's face, and curses under his still uneven breaths.

"Look at you, just look at you. Perfect." Kun whispers, as he raises his hand to the nape of Ten's neck and leans in to gently kiss his lips, his eyes, the tip of his nose. He runs his tongue over a cheekbone and through the trails of cum, cleaning it all up before feeding it Ten with the slowest, sweetest kiss, as if it wasn't an act of absolute depravity, but a pure and tender sacrament. His free hand trails down Ten's body slowly, stuttering when he feels a sticky mess and spent cock.

Ten's focus is still fuzzy, his awareness still floating in a state of disjointed bliss. A distant part of him is wondering if he'll be reprimanded, but for once he can't seem to feel too worried about it. He knows any disappointment Kun might show won't burrow down into his core like it had so many times before, with others. He feels held in Kun's questioning gaze, still safe, somehow. He looks down at the mess he's made across his own pantleg and one of Kun's boots, and laughs. The stark contrast of the beading white liquid against the black leather looks pretty, and he suddenly wishes he could draw this. But instead, he gently pushes Kun back until he's half-reclined on the floor, giving himself enough room to get on all fours and smile, catlike, up at Kun before dipping his face down to the desecrated boot.

Kun breathes out an "Oh..." as Ten grasps his boot with both hands, as his tongue touches the leather, drags across it reverently, and laves between the tight laces. His cock twitches at the sight of Ten cleaning up his own mess, but he suppresses the fresh wave of wanting, knowing that what he wants more is to gather Ten in his arms, and kiss him, praise him, until they have to leave the studio.

And so that's exactly what he does.