2015: I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing (Baekhyun/Tao)
Pairing: Baekhyun/Tao
From: ANONYMOUS until REVEALS
Title: I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing
Rating: PG
Length: 3,940 words
Summary: Every moment spent with you is a moment I treasure. Bodyguards!au
Notes: *hyperventilates* So this could probably have been a lot better but I had some troubles with it because a) pinch-hitter here b) Tao made me yell at him a lot because of everything so =\ I wish I could do this story more justice, especially when i wrote it differently to what i’m used to (and i’m not sure how that happened xD). But still, I hope you like it ^^
Tao is leaning on the car, cladded in his usual all black pants and a bit oversized t-shirt, arms folded on the chest, looking down at his favorite white sneakers.
It’s his last day working for Baekhyun, and Tao suddenly feels like he’s giving up on this life, like tomorrow will be something completely different and he isn’t sure if he wants this. Something without young man who stole his thoughts, his heart, and his soul in barely a year.
Tao exhales slowly as being afraid to let his memories go with his breath, because he wants to keep everything. All those memories as a bodyguard, or a driver, or a manager, or even a family, maybe all in one, Tao doesn’t even know, because he’s got used to be around popular singer almost 24/7 for the past year, and these couple of hours that he’s still got won’t be enough.
Tao will miss all of this he thinks.
He will miss backstage, his usual spot, from where he’s carefully watching Baekhyun performing, who’s too engrossed in singing, with his eyes closed, reaching with his amazing voice each and every heart in the audience. Tao will miss Baekhyun’s delicate moves while being on the stage, or the way he holds his microphone his pinky curving over the edge of it, or even the way he just stands there in the middle of stage owning it and controlling it just with his powerful platinum voice.
Tao will miss Baekhyun off stage, young rock star, who loves those ridiculous loose sleeveless shirts Tao thinks he could already walk topless instead rather than wearing those. Baekhyun, who’s fond of cat ears hats and who never stops talking while sitting in the back of the car, or bossing Tao around, or keeping singing loudly to the music in his ipod and annoying the shit out of Tao during the process, but still managing to make him quirk his lips in a tiny smile because he secretly enjoys this.
Tao will miss those rare moments when Baekhyun is too exhausted from tiring performances and can barely walk; when coming off stage he practically collapses on the ground and Tao is there to catch him before his knees hit it. Tao miss the way he gently caress exhausted Baekhyun back to the car, heart arching when that tiny arm slides off his shoulder helplessly, and he is breathing slowly in the crook of his neck, body slack and tired, lips parted, wet hair falling across his forehead, and Tao presses him even more closer than he supposed to.
And when they are finally home, he just lays him down on the bed carefully, stealing some glances over Baekhyun’s face, eyes full of care and affection, and afterwards when being almost out of the room, in the middle of opening the door, he hears hoarse whisper “I was great wasn’t I?”, and Tao without turning sighs and slightly nods “Yes, you were”.
Perfect.
Tao will miss that day when Baekhyun won his Best Rookie of the Year trophy and threw off the party at his place. His big apartment on the last floor with a great view of the city turned into a bar and dance club in a second, and Baekhyun was pretty drunk in one hour, after taking six shots in a row with his band mates and then singing out loud his winning song with his prize in one hand and a bottle of expensive and rare scotch in another.
Tao was carefully watching him sitting behind the counter the whole evening with a beer but never really taking any of it, frowning when Baekhyun was clinging too much to some of his guests or smiling with the corner of his lips when Baekhyun was making some cheesy cute poses, fingers in V signs all over.
And Tao will definitely miss the next morning when Baekhyun had a short appearance on a popular show, and Tao had to wake him up very early, and Baekhyun never was a morning person, and Tao never was so manhandled in his life, so he’s got some nasty bruises on his forearms, because singer was really stubborn and Tao practically dumped him in a cold shower.
Baekhyun wasn’t talking to him after that for two days. That was the moment when Tao suddenly realised that he likes this non stop talking and rambling and humming songs.
He couldn’t sleep on the third night grinning to himself like an idiot because after two days of silence Baekhyun accidentally cut his palm and Tao was the one to bandage the wound, and the first thing Baekhyun said “how can somebody be so gentle with such rough hands”. They laughed hard right after, and shorter man was looking at him intently while saying “i’m sorry for being mad at you”.
Tao will miss the other day when he was waken up 3am in the morning by a phone call and the first thing he heard was a broken whisper or cry, he didn’t even get to hear as he’s already at the door rushing to Baekhyun because the singer needed help and support and being at his side.
Tao has never seen him cry, and he was expecting him to burst during farewell ceremony, but the singer broke the moment Tao drove him back home. Baekhyun closed the bathroom door, scaring Tao to death as he was almost pleading to open to him for three hours in a row.
When he finally walked in Baekhyun was soaked wet, face flushed and swollen, and looked so achingly small and vulnerable, that all Tao did was turning the shower off and gathering Baekhyun in his arms, trying to calm him down, rubbing his back and whisper some soothing words, until he cried himself out to sleep. That was another moment when Tao realised that he’s too used to have Baekhyun in his arms, he liked this feeling of caring and holding him, because the singer fits so perfectly in his embrace.
Tao will miss Baekhyun’s birthday too. He was having a mental breakdown of what to give the singer as a gift, because Baekhyun has it all, and told him the week before he’d rather go abroad or lose himself somewhere without any phones to reach for him than expecting people to call him every single minute wishing common happy birthday wishes and sending him cards and flowers.
Tao almost decided to bought him some airplane tickets as a birthday present but Baekhyun had one important performance that day, and after all wet and sweat and receiving lots of applause they both ended up together in Baekhyun’s suit, standing on the balcony watching at the city lights, with a bottle of champagne, alone.
Baekhyun was laughing at Tao being unnaturally awkward because it’s Baekhyun, famous singer, and Tao wasn’t really used to be so close with his assignment, but younger man made him feel so comfortable around him, that Tao realised that he liked him.
“You don’t drink?” Baekhyun asked him back then, while leaning on the railing, glass of champagne between his long and dainty fingers, furrowing his brows slightly at Tao shaking head. The singer hummed and suddenly turned to him looking right into his eyes intensely, and Tao didn’t how to breathe under the soft gaze.
That was another sleepless night right after, because Baekhyun didn’t allowed him to get back home and asked him to stay in his huge apartment - more like made him stay because it was his birthday. So Tao ended up lying on the best comfy couch he had ever lied on in his life, toss and turned with a thought that Baekhyun was sleeping in some metres away from him, and quietly sputtering under his breath that him spending this night at singer’s apartment suddenly turned out the best gift he could ever give the singer, because Baekhyun looked so happy and content when Tao agreed to stay.
Tao will miss the day when Baekhyun came to him unexpectedly late on one Saturday, when Tao was having his day-off. He turned his phone off and ignored everything and everybody because he hasn’t had free time for a couple of weeks and wasn’t getting any of that. But when he opened the front door getting ready to snarl and blow off whoever was disturbing him at this late hour he saw Baekhyun leaning on the opposite wall and looking at him eyes glistening with something Tao didn’t manage to read when the singer walked right into his apartment whispering “Close the door” to him.
He didn’t say anything else after that, he just shrugged his jacket off and flopped down on Tao bed, head on the pillows, sighing heavily and relaxing in a minute. Tao was standing right beside the bed not sure what to do in this situation, looking down at Baekhyun dumbfoundedly who was lying motionless on his covers, eyes closed, completely peaceful.
“Why are you here?” Tao asked after some time, not being able to take his eyes off the singer and his body, hastily thinking of what could possibly happen to Baekhyun to have him at the most sacred place in his small place so willingly.
Baekhyun didn’t answer right away and Tao thought he was already sleeping when he heard muffled “It’s safe here”. Singer opened his eyes, then, shifting slightly, he sat up up looking at Tao with the same something the taller man was still trying to figure it out.
Baekhyun patted the bed and Tao after some seconds of hesitation sat beside him.
“It’s always safe with you” Baekhyun said sliding his arms over Tao’ waist and hugging him tightly.
“Baekhyun,” was all what Tao managed to breathe out when he felt Baekhyun shaking his head whispering “Don’t” and clutching to him even more. It was so new and unexpected and screw it Tao decided and lifted his arm embracing Baekhyun’s shoulders and leaning into the hug. They sat like this for some time before Baekhyun dozed off in Tao embrace, and he carefully laid him down trying not to wake the singer up fighting the urge to lie down beside him but spending the rest of night on the couch restless again.
Tao remembers the next morning when Baekhyun woke up, hair sticking in every direction, face crinkled from the pillow, smiling contentedly and murmuring some mornings and sorrys for barging in and ruining Tao’ only day off. Tao will miss this morning because it was and it still is his most favorite memory from everything because Baekhyun looked like the cutest thing he’s ever seen in his life.
Tao sighs - Baekhyun was almost attacked later that day. Singer probably had this premonition when coming to him in the evening, Tao thought, when he himself was sitting on Baekhyun bed, shirt ripped off the shoulder, blood spots all over it. Baekhyun was sitting behind him, fully packed with bandages, and working his cut across the shoulder blade.
Tao remembers the crowds getting crazy as its idols were coming out from the studio, it was nervous, all the screaming and cheering, fans wanting to get closer, to touch. Tao was too sensible, eyes seeking through the wild crowd ready for anything, and he was in a second covering Baekhyun’s body when he caught in the corner of the eye a drop of silver lustre, and took the stab by himself.
Nobody couldn’t manage to realise what happened when Tao was practically dragging Baekhyun to the car giving orders through his tiny mic hidden in his ear to his comrades to catch the attacker. Only when driving out he received a short message that attacker was successfully captured, and he could breathe again.
Tao winces remembering this moment. But he still misses it. He was selfish and too preoccupied with the thoughts of Baekhyun’s beautiful hands ghosting over his wounded shoulder one hour later and his quiet mutter of a certain song and not even caring about the pain. Tao never asked the singer where did he learn to sew severe cuts, but he stored somewhere deep in his mind Baekhyun’s pale face and worried eyes when he was done and gave Tao one of his oversized shirt to cover the fresh scar.
Tao will miss all of this, he thinks, still looking down at his sneakers, full of memories when a slightly husky voice peers through his ears.
“I should’ve worn that tie Jongdae brought me.” Tao jerks his head up and sees Baekhyun. The singer’s looking absolutely stunning in his black tailored suit, white shirt and matching shoes. His hair is styled somewhat classic, and he’s wearing a little of make-up, and Tao looks at him trying his best not to smile because Baekhyun tugs his bow tie as if feeling rather uncomfortable clad in classic clothes, and Tao knows how much singer loves his ripped tight pants and loose tank tops, leather jackets matched with heavy makeup and countless bracelets.
Tao doesn’t realise what he’s doing until he sees his hands clutching to Baekhyun’s bow tie fitting it exactly right, and when he feels singer’s wide eyes who’s still standing in front of him, just some inches apart, Tao suddenly pulls his hands off, saying with a hoarse voice “Now that’s much more better”.
They look at each other for a minute that seems like an eternity before Tao averts his gaze, breathing heavily, and he pats Baekhyun’s shoulder trying to look as usual, though he feels his heart racing inside and wonders if Baekhyun hears it too.
“We should go.” Tao says and opens the door. Baekhyun blinks and nods, sitting on the passenger seat without any words, and while closing the door Tao curses himself inwardly because he was about to gather the singer in his arms and never letting go.
The road is quiet, and Baekhyun doesn’t say anything when he gets out of the car. He walks straight to the venue, and turns back only once, but that is more than enough for Tao, because he knows Baekhyun will miss him too.
~ ♣ ~
“Jetlag?” Tao turns his head for the voice of bartender standing in front of him with a slight understanding smirk on his lips. Tao nods, letting his body sag over countertop, and crossing his arms.
“How do you know?” he says raising a brow.
“It’s part of my job.” Bartender’s voice is nice Tao thinks, it’s soothing and Tao suddenly wants to come back to his bed where he supposed to be now.
“Dude, you look awfully tired.”
Tao nods again because this man reads him like an open palm and Tao just spills that he is not here willingly, but because his bastard of friend practically dragged him here without further notice.
Tao does mind even if he missed Sehun so much and was really happy to see him in this apartment with that shit eating grin of his, looking good and tall and oh so home. He regretted opening the door as soon as Sehun dropped hugging him like a life saver and announced that they are going out.
Tao was pissed, jetlagged and wanted at least 24 hours sleep in peace and quiet but Sehun wasn’t having any of that, he just waited for Tao to take a shower and get dressed while he was sitting on the couch rambling something about new bar five blocks further downtown and how Tao’ fridge was empty with food. Tao didn’t even bother to deny it - he didn’t make appearance in his apartment for legit eleven months, he didn’t even make it to unpack his bag from flight. Not that he needed to.
“I saw you coming with friend,” bartender says pulling Tao’ mind back to earth.
“Yeah, he dragged me here but somehow vanished.” Bartender smirks and put a glass of something light yellow in it. “This might help you,” he says while making two steps back for some bottle for his other clients.
Tao hums eyeing his drink, not really sure if he’s ready for it. But bartender seems trustworthy so he takes a sip.
“Ginger?” Tao asks when bartender is beside him again. The latter grins and nods: “Yeah, but just one spoon,” he adds, pouring a huge can of beer for somebody.
“It’s good.” Tao says taking another sip and closing his eyes contentedly. “It will keep me alive for some time I guess.”
He hears bartender snorting and peers at him through his lashes.
“What?” Tao asks taking another gulp.
“This will keep you alive for next 24 hours,” bartender laughs unabashedly at Tao’ confused face. “Just kidding,” he holds his palms as if in surrender and says: “At least it will keep you bright-eyed for the unplugged session we have today.”
“Unplugged?” Tao is still confused but a thought that he’s about to witness any sort of a concert - and this means loud music - isn’t really welcome at the moment.
“Yes, but don’t worry, you’ll like him.” Bartender winks and before Tao can ask anything heads towards his other clients.
Tao frowns and tries not to think about anything though his ears catches some distant phrases from other clients - i can’t believe he’s finally back, - yeah, glad he did - and vaguely realises that he is interested about this whole unplugged session and who the singer people around him are talking about is.
Tao catches Sehun’s sight in his peripheral vision when the latter passes through crowd and takes a mental note to kick his friend’s ass because Sehun practically dumped him in this bar and left him to gloom alone.
Slowly taking the remainings of his drink Tao thinks about his unlucky fate when the lights turn off and background music is cut off by a rough and low voice. Tao turns to his left to see a little stage dimmed in some violet lights with a short man standing almost at the edge of it in front of microphone.
When the man catches attention from the audience he says welcoming words and announces, proudly, the start of a special acoustic event.
The light goes off again and Tao hears a quiet ruffle of what seems like curtains are going up, and then he hears a rhythm set by guitar. It’s slow and somehow inviting, tones running from crescendo to descendo, and the tune is pleasant to Tao’ ears so he tries to relax to the flow but before he can actually follow the music and enjoy the moment, a voice peers through the dark of the stage and Tao is suddenly sucked out of air in his lungs.
It is the same soft voice that kept Tao alive during all these 11 months. The same voice with slight rough in it, but mellow and pure. It is coming through the dark like a ray of light, and Tao realises that he is shaking.
All this time those memories of this voice humming random songs, giving him orders left and right, screaming at him, laughing at him, all those tiny giggles and gingles that it has, Tao misses all of it so much. So much.
The stage lightens up somewhat purplish and that’s when Tao sees him.
Byun Baekhyun.
The famous young rock star who was Tao’ joy and pain a year ago, and while staring at him right now Tao realises that Baekhyun still is and never stopped to be.
He can’t tear his gaze away from the man, who is sitting on a high stool, carefree, holding microphone post with this left hand. The singer wears black tee, and his hair is no longer light brown, it’s almost black. There isn’t any heavy makeup on his face, just a light touch of eyeliner and lip gloss. All his countless bracelets are gone, and it’s just one thin silver chain on his left wrist.
Baekhyun’s changed. He’s got mature and he looks dashing there, with his eyes closed, belting high notes easily and sending shivers with low register.
Tao holds his breath when piano sound peers along the guitar mixing the melody - he sees two man behind Baekhyun with instruments - the tune slightly changes and the audience gives excited cheers because it recognizes the song, even with this kind of edit.
Baekhyun never sang this kind of songs when Tao was working for him, but he suddenly remembers it from that night after attack. That quiet mutter of a song Tao always wondered why Baekhyun never covered. It always suited perfectly his voice, and right now looking at him Tao realises that probably it wasn’t time for this song to be sang out back then, that probably it was too early.
The audience gasps in unison when Baekhyun takes a pause before the bridge giving a time to shine for guitar and piano duet, and Tao watches him from his spot at the bar. Lights above the stage shifts slightly pulling Baekhyun in a dim, and he shimmers, and Tao thinks he’s beautiful like this.
Baekhyun takes mic and nails that bridge without any effort, his eyes set on audience and a smile on his face. It’s like he reaches each and everybody in the place, but his gaze can’t reach Tao, who is standing in the dimmed part of the place, and yet, Tao feels his heart jumping out of his chest because even if the singer can’t see him, he still has an odd feeling that Baekhyun is talking to him through his song about so many things he missed.
About those missed 11 months that Tao was far away from Baekhyun, because of work in Brazil, where Tao got swapped for another bodyguard service.
About that missed time Tao was far away from Baekhyun and couldn’t protect him, hoping that there was another bodyguard to do the job just like he did.
About their time together, as a singer and his bodyguard, or maybe a little bit more, Tao doesn’t know, but he likes the story Baekhyun is telling through his singing.
It feels nostalgic.
Tao, before he can stop himself, takes a few steps closer to the stage right when Baekhyun sings the last chorus nailing high pitch effortlessly, almost making himself visible, but he stop abruptly when he spots another tall figure watching Baekhyun. The very same spot beside the stage Tao used to keep an eye on his favorite singer when he was working for him as his bodyguard. He frowns at the sudden feel of danger creeping inside him, but then he recognizes the stranger.
A feel of calmness envelops him, and Tao smiles, feeling relieved to know that Baekhyun was and still is in good hands while he was away. Maybe it’s not his time, yet, to reveal himself, Tao thinks, as he steps back into the dim lights before Baekhyun can see him in the crowd.
Tao casts another look at the stage, his face softening and eyes lingering on his favorite singer, and he moves to exit, fishing his phone to make a call about that new job he was proposed before coming back but never got a chance to say yes to it.
Baekhyun belts the last note, letting piano and guitar echoing it, lights flash above the stage, the audience breaks into applause but Tao doesn’t hear any of that anymore.
From: ANONYMOUS until REVEALS
Title: I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing
Rating: PG
Length: 3,940 words
Summary: Every moment spent with you is a moment I treasure. Bodyguards!au
Notes: *hyperventilates* So this could probably have been a lot better but I had some troubles with it because a) pinch-hitter here b) Tao made me yell at him a lot because of everything so =\ I wish I could do this story more justice, especially when i wrote it differently to what i’m used to (and i’m not sure how that happened xD). But still, I hope you like it ^^
Tao is leaning on the car, cladded in his usual all black pants and a bit oversized t-shirt, arms folded on the chest, looking down at his favorite white sneakers.
It’s his last day working for Baekhyun, and Tao suddenly feels like he’s giving up on this life, like tomorrow will be something completely different and he isn’t sure if he wants this. Something without young man who stole his thoughts, his heart, and his soul in barely a year.
Tao exhales slowly as being afraid to let his memories go with his breath, because he wants to keep everything. All those memories as a bodyguard, or a driver, or a manager, or even a family, maybe all in one, Tao doesn’t even know, because he’s got used to be around popular singer almost 24/7 for the past year, and these couple of hours that he’s still got won’t be enough.
Tao will miss all of this he thinks.
He will miss backstage, his usual spot, from where he’s carefully watching Baekhyun performing, who’s too engrossed in singing, with his eyes closed, reaching with his amazing voice each and every heart in the audience. Tao will miss Baekhyun’s delicate moves while being on the stage, or the way he holds his microphone his pinky curving over the edge of it, or even the way he just stands there in the middle of stage owning it and controlling it just with his powerful platinum voice.
Tao will miss Baekhyun off stage, young rock star, who loves those ridiculous loose sleeveless shirts Tao thinks he could already walk topless instead rather than wearing those. Baekhyun, who’s fond of cat ears hats and who never stops talking while sitting in the back of the car, or bossing Tao around, or keeping singing loudly to the music in his ipod and annoying the shit out of Tao during the process, but still managing to make him quirk his lips in a tiny smile because he secretly enjoys this.
Tao will miss those rare moments when Baekhyun is too exhausted from tiring performances and can barely walk; when coming off stage he practically collapses on the ground and Tao is there to catch him before his knees hit it. Tao miss the way he gently caress exhausted Baekhyun back to the car, heart arching when that tiny arm slides off his shoulder helplessly, and he is breathing slowly in the crook of his neck, body slack and tired, lips parted, wet hair falling across his forehead, and Tao presses him even more closer than he supposed to.
And when they are finally home, he just lays him down on the bed carefully, stealing some glances over Baekhyun’s face, eyes full of care and affection, and afterwards when being almost out of the room, in the middle of opening the door, he hears hoarse whisper “I was great wasn’t I?”, and Tao without turning sighs and slightly nods “Yes, you were”.
Perfect.
Tao will miss that day when Baekhyun won his Best Rookie of the Year trophy and threw off the party at his place. His big apartment on the last floor with a great view of the city turned into a bar and dance club in a second, and Baekhyun was pretty drunk in one hour, after taking six shots in a row with his band mates and then singing out loud his winning song with his prize in one hand and a bottle of expensive and rare scotch in another.
Tao was carefully watching him sitting behind the counter the whole evening with a beer but never really taking any of it, frowning when Baekhyun was clinging too much to some of his guests or smiling with the corner of his lips when Baekhyun was making some cheesy cute poses, fingers in V signs all over.
And Tao will definitely miss the next morning when Baekhyun had a short appearance on a popular show, and Tao had to wake him up very early, and Baekhyun never was a morning person, and Tao never was so manhandled in his life, so he’s got some nasty bruises on his forearms, because singer was really stubborn and Tao practically dumped him in a cold shower.
Baekhyun wasn’t talking to him after that for two days. That was the moment when Tao suddenly realised that he likes this non stop talking and rambling and humming songs.
He couldn’t sleep on the third night grinning to himself like an idiot because after two days of silence Baekhyun accidentally cut his palm and Tao was the one to bandage the wound, and the first thing Baekhyun said “how can somebody be so gentle with such rough hands”. They laughed hard right after, and shorter man was looking at him intently while saying “i’m sorry for being mad at you”.
Tao will miss the other day when he was waken up 3am in the morning by a phone call and the first thing he heard was a broken whisper or cry, he didn’t even get to hear as he’s already at the door rushing to Baekhyun because the singer needed help and support and being at his side.
Tao has never seen him cry, and he was expecting him to burst during farewell ceremony, but the singer broke the moment Tao drove him back home. Baekhyun closed the bathroom door, scaring Tao to death as he was almost pleading to open to him for three hours in a row.
When he finally walked in Baekhyun was soaked wet, face flushed and swollen, and looked so achingly small and vulnerable, that all Tao did was turning the shower off and gathering Baekhyun in his arms, trying to calm him down, rubbing his back and whisper some soothing words, until he cried himself out to sleep. That was another moment when Tao realised that he’s too used to have Baekhyun in his arms, he liked this feeling of caring and holding him, because the singer fits so perfectly in his embrace.
Tao will miss Baekhyun’s birthday too. He was having a mental breakdown of what to give the singer as a gift, because Baekhyun has it all, and told him the week before he’d rather go abroad or lose himself somewhere without any phones to reach for him than expecting people to call him every single minute wishing common happy birthday wishes and sending him cards and flowers.
Tao almost decided to bought him some airplane tickets as a birthday present but Baekhyun had one important performance that day, and after all wet and sweat and receiving lots of applause they both ended up together in Baekhyun’s suit, standing on the balcony watching at the city lights, with a bottle of champagne, alone.
Baekhyun was laughing at Tao being unnaturally awkward because it’s Baekhyun, famous singer, and Tao wasn’t really used to be so close with his assignment, but younger man made him feel so comfortable around him, that Tao realised that he liked him.
“You don’t drink?” Baekhyun asked him back then, while leaning on the railing, glass of champagne between his long and dainty fingers, furrowing his brows slightly at Tao shaking head. The singer hummed and suddenly turned to him looking right into his eyes intensely, and Tao didn’t how to breathe under the soft gaze.
That was another sleepless night right after, because Baekhyun didn’t allowed him to get back home and asked him to stay in his huge apartment - more like made him stay because it was his birthday. So Tao ended up lying on the best comfy couch he had ever lied on in his life, toss and turned with a thought that Baekhyun was sleeping in some metres away from him, and quietly sputtering under his breath that him spending this night at singer’s apartment suddenly turned out the best gift he could ever give the singer, because Baekhyun looked so happy and content when Tao agreed to stay.
Tao will miss the day when Baekhyun came to him unexpectedly late on one Saturday, when Tao was having his day-off. He turned his phone off and ignored everything and everybody because he hasn’t had free time for a couple of weeks and wasn’t getting any of that. But when he opened the front door getting ready to snarl and blow off whoever was disturbing him at this late hour he saw Baekhyun leaning on the opposite wall and looking at him eyes glistening with something Tao didn’t manage to read when the singer walked right into his apartment whispering “Close the door” to him.
He didn’t say anything else after that, he just shrugged his jacket off and flopped down on Tao bed, head on the pillows, sighing heavily and relaxing in a minute. Tao was standing right beside the bed not sure what to do in this situation, looking down at Baekhyun dumbfoundedly who was lying motionless on his covers, eyes closed, completely peaceful.
“Why are you here?” Tao asked after some time, not being able to take his eyes off the singer and his body, hastily thinking of what could possibly happen to Baekhyun to have him at the most sacred place in his small place so willingly.
Baekhyun didn’t answer right away and Tao thought he was already sleeping when he heard muffled “It’s safe here”. Singer opened his eyes, then, shifting slightly, he sat up up looking at Tao with the same something the taller man was still trying to figure it out.
Baekhyun patted the bed and Tao after some seconds of hesitation sat beside him.
“It’s always safe with you” Baekhyun said sliding his arms over Tao’ waist and hugging him tightly.
“Baekhyun,” was all what Tao managed to breathe out when he felt Baekhyun shaking his head whispering “Don’t” and clutching to him even more. It was so new and unexpected and screw it Tao decided and lifted his arm embracing Baekhyun’s shoulders and leaning into the hug. They sat like this for some time before Baekhyun dozed off in Tao embrace, and he carefully laid him down trying not to wake the singer up fighting the urge to lie down beside him but spending the rest of night on the couch restless again.
Tao remembers the next morning when Baekhyun woke up, hair sticking in every direction, face crinkled from the pillow, smiling contentedly and murmuring some mornings and sorrys for barging in and ruining Tao’ only day off. Tao will miss this morning because it was and it still is his most favorite memory from everything because Baekhyun looked like the cutest thing he’s ever seen in his life.
Tao sighs - Baekhyun was almost attacked later that day. Singer probably had this premonition when coming to him in the evening, Tao thought, when he himself was sitting on Baekhyun bed, shirt ripped off the shoulder, blood spots all over it. Baekhyun was sitting behind him, fully packed with bandages, and working his cut across the shoulder blade.
Tao remembers the crowds getting crazy as its idols were coming out from the studio, it was nervous, all the screaming and cheering, fans wanting to get closer, to touch. Tao was too sensible, eyes seeking through the wild crowd ready for anything, and he was in a second covering Baekhyun’s body when he caught in the corner of the eye a drop of silver lustre, and took the stab by himself.
Nobody couldn’t manage to realise what happened when Tao was practically dragging Baekhyun to the car giving orders through his tiny mic hidden in his ear to his comrades to catch the attacker. Only when driving out he received a short message that attacker was successfully captured, and he could breathe again.
Tao winces remembering this moment. But he still misses it. He was selfish and too preoccupied with the thoughts of Baekhyun’s beautiful hands ghosting over his wounded shoulder one hour later and his quiet mutter of a certain song and not even caring about the pain. Tao never asked the singer where did he learn to sew severe cuts, but he stored somewhere deep in his mind Baekhyun’s pale face and worried eyes when he was done and gave Tao one of his oversized shirt to cover the fresh scar.
Tao will miss all of this, he thinks, still looking down at his sneakers, full of memories when a slightly husky voice peers through his ears.
“I should’ve worn that tie Jongdae brought me.” Tao jerks his head up and sees Baekhyun. The singer’s looking absolutely stunning in his black tailored suit, white shirt and matching shoes. His hair is styled somewhat classic, and he’s wearing a little of make-up, and Tao looks at him trying his best not to smile because Baekhyun tugs his bow tie as if feeling rather uncomfortable clad in classic clothes, and Tao knows how much singer loves his ripped tight pants and loose tank tops, leather jackets matched with heavy makeup and countless bracelets.
Tao doesn’t realise what he’s doing until he sees his hands clutching to Baekhyun’s bow tie fitting it exactly right, and when he feels singer’s wide eyes who’s still standing in front of him, just some inches apart, Tao suddenly pulls his hands off, saying with a hoarse voice “Now that’s much more better”.
They look at each other for a minute that seems like an eternity before Tao averts his gaze, breathing heavily, and he pats Baekhyun’s shoulder trying to look as usual, though he feels his heart racing inside and wonders if Baekhyun hears it too.
“We should go.” Tao says and opens the door. Baekhyun blinks and nods, sitting on the passenger seat without any words, and while closing the door Tao curses himself inwardly because he was about to gather the singer in his arms and never letting go.
The road is quiet, and Baekhyun doesn’t say anything when he gets out of the car. He walks straight to the venue, and turns back only once, but that is more than enough for Tao, because he knows Baekhyun will miss him too.
~ ♣ ~
“Jetlag?” Tao turns his head for the voice of bartender standing in front of him with a slight understanding smirk on his lips. Tao nods, letting his body sag over countertop, and crossing his arms.
“How do you know?” he says raising a brow.
“It’s part of my job.” Bartender’s voice is nice Tao thinks, it’s soothing and Tao suddenly wants to come back to his bed where he supposed to be now.
“Dude, you look awfully tired.”
Tao nods again because this man reads him like an open palm and Tao just spills that he is not here willingly, but because his bastard of friend practically dragged him here without further notice.
Tao does mind even if he missed Sehun so much and was really happy to see him in this apartment with that shit eating grin of his, looking good and tall and oh so home. He regretted opening the door as soon as Sehun dropped hugging him like a life saver and announced that they are going out.
Tao was pissed, jetlagged and wanted at least 24 hours sleep in peace and quiet but Sehun wasn’t having any of that, he just waited for Tao to take a shower and get dressed while he was sitting on the couch rambling something about new bar five blocks further downtown and how Tao’ fridge was empty with food. Tao didn’t even bother to deny it - he didn’t make appearance in his apartment for legit eleven months, he didn’t even make it to unpack his bag from flight. Not that he needed to.
“I saw you coming with friend,” bartender says pulling Tao’ mind back to earth.
“Yeah, he dragged me here but somehow vanished.” Bartender smirks and put a glass of something light yellow in it. “This might help you,” he says while making two steps back for some bottle for his other clients.
Tao hums eyeing his drink, not really sure if he’s ready for it. But bartender seems trustworthy so he takes a sip.
“Ginger?” Tao asks when bartender is beside him again. The latter grins and nods: “Yeah, but just one spoon,” he adds, pouring a huge can of beer for somebody.
“It’s good.” Tao says taking another sip and closing his eyes contentedly. “It will keep me alive for some time I guess.”
He hears bartender snorting and peers at him through his lashes.
“What?” Tao asks taking another gulp.
“This will keep you alive for next 24 hours,” bartender laughs unabashedly at Tao’ confused face. “Just kidding,” he holds his palms as if in surrender and says: “At least it will keep you bright-eyed for the unplugged session we have today.”
“Unplugged?” Tao is still confused but a thought that he’s about to witness any sort of a concert - and this means loud music - isn’t really welcome at the moment.
“Yes, but don’t worry, you’ll like him.” Bartender winks and before Tao can ask anything heads towards his other clients.
Tao frowns and tries not to think about anything though his ears catches some distant phrases from other clients - i can’t believe he’s finally back, - yeah, glad he did - and vaguely realises that he is interested about this whole unplugged session and who the singer people around him are talking about is.
Tao catches Sehun’s sight in his peripheral vision when the latter passes through crowd and takes a mental note to kick his friend’s ass because Sehun practically dumped him in this bar and left him to gloom alone.
Slowly taking the remainings of his drink Tao thinks about his unlucky fate when the lights turn off and background music is cut off by a rough and low voice. Tao turns to his left to see a little stage dimmed in some violet lights with a short man standing almost at the edge of it in front of microphone.
When the man catches attention from the audience he says welcoming words and announces, proudly, the start of a special acoustic event.
The light goes off again and Tao hears a quiet ruffle of what seems like curtains are going up, and then he hears a rhythm set by guitar. It’s slow and somehow inviting, tones running from crescendo to descendo, and the tune is pleasant to Tao’ ears so he tries to relax to the flow but before he can actually follow the music and enjoy the moment, a voice peers through the dark of the stage and Tao is suddenly sucked out of air in his lungs.
It is the same soft voice that kept Tao alive during all these 11 months. The same voice with slight rough in it, but mellow and pure. It is coming through the dark like a ray of light, and Tao realises that he is shaking.
All this time those memories of this voice humming random songs, giving him orders left and right, screaming at him, laughing at him, all those tiny giggles and gingles that it has, Tao misses all of it so much. So much.
The stage lightens up somewhat purplish and that’s when Tao sees him.
Byun Baekhyun.
The famous young rock star who was Tao’ joy and pain a year ago, and while staring at him right now Tao realises that Baekhyun still is and never stopped to be.
He can’t tear his gaze away from the man, who is sitting on a high stool, carefree, holding microphone post with this left hand. The singer wears black tee, and his hair is no longer light brown, it’s almost black. There isn’t any heavy makeup on his face, just a light touch of eyeliner and lip gloss. All his countless bracelets are gone, and it’s just one thin silver chain on his left wrist.
Baekhyun’s changed. He’s got mature and he looks dashing there, with his eyes closed, belting high notes easily and sending shivers with low register.
Tao holds his breath when piano sound peers along the guitar mixing the melody - he sees two man behind Baekhyun with instruments - the tune slightly changes and the audience gives excited cheers because it recognizes the song, even with this kind of edit.
Baekhyun never sang this kind of songs when Tao was working for him, but he suddenly remembers it from that night after attack. That quiet mutter of a song Tao always wondered why Baekhyun never covered. It always suited perfectly his voice, and right now looking at him Tao realises that probably it wasn’t time for this song to be sang out back then, that probably it was too early.
The audience gasps in unison when Baekhyun takes a pause before the bridge giving a time to shine for guitar and piano duet, and Tao watches him from his spot at the bar. Lights above the stage shifts slightly pulling Baekhyun in a dim, and he shimmers, and Tao thinks he’s beautiful like this.
Baekhyun takes mic and nails that bridge without any effort, his eyes set on audience and a smile on his face. It’s like he reaches each and everybody in the place, but his gaze can’t reach Tao, who is standing in the dimmed part of the place, and yet, Tao feels his heart jumping out of his chest because even if the singer can’t see him, he still has an odd feeling that Baekhyun is talking to him through his song about so many things he missed.
About those missed 11 months that Tao was far away from Baekhyun, because of work in Brazil, where Tao got swapped for another bodyguard service.
About that missed time Tao was far away from Baekhyun and couldn’t protect him, hoping that there was another bodyguard to do the job just like he did.
About their time together, as a singer and his bodyguard, or maybe a little bit more, Tao doesn’t know, but he likes the story Baekhyun is telling through his singing.
It feels nostalgic.
Tao, before he can stop himself, takes a few steps closer to the stage right when Baekhyun sings the last chorus nailing high pitch effortlessly, almost making himself visible, but he stop abruptly when he spots another tall figure watching Baekhyun. The very same spot beside the stage Tao used to keep an eye on his favorite singer when he was working for him as his bodyguard. He frowns at the sudden feel of danger creeping inside him, but then he recognizes the stranger.
A feel of calmness envelops him, and Tao smiles, feeling relieved to know that Baekhyun was and still is in good hands while he was away. Maybe it’s not his time, yet, to reveal himself, Tao thinks, as he steps back into the dim lights before Baekhyun can see him in the crowd.
Tao casts another look at the stage, his face softening and eyes lingering on his favorite singer, and he moves to exit, fishing his phone to make a call about that new job he was proposed before coming back but never got a chance to say yes to it.
Baekhyun belts the last note, letting piano and guitar echoing it, lights flash above the stage, the audience breaks into applause but Tao doesn’t hear any of that anymore.