[FIC] Happy Memories - Chapter 4
Title: Happy Memories (4/?)
Author: Brainistheboss
Pairing: G-Ri
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Fluff
Summary: Meet with the Parents (Part 2)
Disclaimer: 2386 words, this is the longest chapter so far. :) Thank you for reading, sorry for any mistakes.
Chapter 4 - Yours
“Love, can I ask you something?” Seungri asked as they were driving back to their apartment.
“What is it baby?” Jiyong replied, his eyes focused on the road.
Seungri sighed, he should not be asking this, but he was really curious, “I’m sorry for being nosy but why didn’t you tell them that you’re sick? Don’t they deserve to know?”
Jiyong remained silent for a little while before he replied, “They do deserve to know, but not now. One thing at a time, the priority now is our wedding. Our wedding is of utmost importance now okay? I don’t want to think of anything else right now but the wedding.”
“Oh and don’t forget to call your umma about dinner tomorrow,” Jiyong added, trying to steer the conversation to a different direction.
Seungri gave Jiyong a wink, “I will, I’ll call your future mother-in law,” which caused Jiyong to blush.
--
“Anyeong umma? How are you?”
“I wanted to ask whether Jiyong and I can come over for dinner tonight.”
“We’re not driving there, we’re taking the bus. Maybe we’ll sleep over too if we miss the last bus home. Is that okay?”
“Gomawo umma, I’ll see you later. Saranghae.”
At the end of the call, Seungri placed the receiver back to its original place. He stayed there, on the couch, wondering how he should break the news to his family. He had to think of a way fast, dinner was in a few hours time. No matter what, Seungri prayed that his family would be as supportive as Jiyong’s in his decision to tie the knot with a man.
Seungri tried to come up with reasons on why he should marry Jiyong just in case his family decides to start a debate after his announcement. There were too many but Seungri decided that main reasons should be sufficient enough to convince them that their marriage is legitimate.
At the top of the list, other than Seungri’s love for Jiyong, was the disease that has the potential to kill Jiyong. They have established that death could occur anytime and it was not about Jiyong dying due to the disease that made Seungri decide to marry him. No, he could accept that Jiyong will eventually die one day. The illness would inflict immense pain on Jiyong and Seungri wanted to support Jiyong through that. He hoped that the marriage would palliate his suffering. At least he would not have to go through it all alone because Seungri vowed to be there for him, forever ‘till death do them part’.
But of course, Seungri is unable to use that reason to justify his marriage because it is a sensitive topic. Jiyong did not even tell his family about it so what right does Seungri have to just blurt out that Jiyong has cancer? He had to settle for other reasons which may not be as convincing.
Another reason was Jiyong’s care for Seungri. Seungri loves the way Jiyong cares for him. Tough love he calls it. Usually, Jiyong appears to be cold and harsh towards Seungri but deep down inside, Jiyong is such a romantic. No one would understand unless they have fallen in love with Jiyong. Take for example, Seungri’s solo promotions. After his first live stage, Jiyong sent a 30-line message criticizing his lover’s first performance but in the background, he called every staff to make sure Seungri was warm and healthy so that he could be at his best.
Seungri could list out a lot of reasons why he wants to marry Jiyong and why their wedding should take place, but ultimately, would his family understand?
--
Dressed in disguise, the two of them made their way to the bus terminal with linked arms. No one could recognize them easily due to their disguise which meant that they could physically show their affection in public without any worries.
They agreed to travel to Seungri’s hometown by bus since it was a long drive and Seungri did not want to tire his lover out. “It’s been so long since we took a bus. This is going to be fun,” Jiyong said, flashing a smile to Seungri. Jiyong seemed optimistic about the trip while Seungri decided that the worrying could be done later, he should not dampen Jiyong’s good mood.
The bus ride was long but eventful. They got some work done, listing down the guests to be invited, deciding their wedding suits and the colour scheme for the invitation card. When planning started to get mundane, they watched movies and played games on Seungri’s Ipad until they reach their destination - Gwangju.
--
It was a little early when they arrived at the gates of the house. This house, which used to be Seungri’s humble abode, had transformed into a modern house. With its contemporary design, the house definitely stood out from the rest and this made Seungri glad as his successful career has brought his family comfort.
Seungri pressed the door bell. Hana (Seungri’s younger sister) came running out towards the gate a few seconds later, crying out for her brother, “OPPPPPAAAAAA!” She latched herself onto his back and forced him to piggyback her into the house,“UMMA, THE HORSE AND DRAGON ARE HERE!”
“Yah, I think I know where she got her aegyo from,” Jiyong commented, chuckling at Hana’s antics.
--
“Ah…good that you’re here,” a beaming Mrs Lee came into the living room, still in her apron, “You can help me set the table while we wait for your appa to come back.”
Seungri deposited his sister onto the couch and gave his mother a warm hug. Mrs Lee, welcomed her son home with a kiss on the forehead. As for Jiyong, she gave him a warm hug and complimented his stylish attire.
“Now put down your bags and let’s quickly set the table before appa comes home,” Mrs Lee said as she ushered the boys to the dining area.
--
Mr Lee returned home at around 6.30 pm. As soon as he entered the dining area, the two greeted him and he wrapped both of them in a group hug.
Mrs Lee placed the last few dishes on the dining table and soon Mr Lee announced the start of dinner, “Tuck in all of you, I know you’re very hungry like I am.”
"You're always hungry appa," cheeky Hana remarked.
"Of course, just look at his chubby cheeks," Mrs Lee added, poking fun at her husband's size, causing an eruption of giggles.
"Yah yah yah, I may be chubby but I'm still cute okay," Mr Lee retorted back which caused more laughter on the dinner table.
--
The Lee family had a daily routine of watching television together after dinner while they ate dessert and today was no exception.
An extra special dessert was served today, Mrs Lee prepared chocolate fondue since two very special guests came to visit.
Hana gasped as she saw her mother bringing the special dessert to the living room. "Oppa, can you visit us everyday? Umma cooks the best stuff only when you come. She's biased towards you oppa," Hana bluntly stated, earning her a smack on the head from Mrs Lee.
She yelped in pain and rubbed her head, "But it's true..."
--
As the family’s favourite drama ended, the entertainment news came on which featured news about famous Korean celebrities. One of the stories was regarding Hong Seok-Cheon. He was a male celebrity that recently revealed that he had a relationship with another man. He was also the first male celebrity that openly admitted that he was gay.
"Disgusting fellow, there are so many beautiful Korean women out there but he choose to be with a man," Mr Lee remarked.
That comment made Jiyong’s heart sank. Out of the corner of his eye, Jiyong could see Seungri's nose twitch upon hearing his father's comment.
This was not good.
--
Mr Lee was intolerant to the idea of homosexuality and he disliked surprises.
Seungri took it upon himself to come clean with his family about his relationship with Jiyong. He told them about their upcoming wedding and that they were cordially invited to their special day.
Seungri's impromptu marriage to Jiyong definitely did not please him.
He switched off the television and tossed the remote onto the coffee table. The atmosphere turned grim. "Repeat what you just said Seunghyun," he demanded in a tone that made both of them cower in fear.
"I'm getting married...next week...to Jiyong" he repeated. His mother started to sob quietly and Hana could only stare at her brother in shock.
"What have you done to my son?!" Mr Lee bellowed as he pointed an accusing finger to Jiyong.
Jiyong lowered his head in defeat. He did not know how to fight back, Jiyong was not the type who would raise his voice towards his elders. He had to respect Seungri's father.
Seungri, on the other hand, was quick to defend his beau, "No, don't blame him."
Mr Lee stood up and shouted "He's bad influence Seunghyun! I told you to go solo but you didn't listen! Now you're going to get married to this drug addict?! It's disgusting, you're a guy, you're supposed to marry a woman!"
"He is NOT a drug addict, I told you that incident was an accident! You can't tell me who to love appa! I love Jiyong, he loves me too and I will marry him regardless of what you say!" Seungri shouted back in anger.
The sound of a hard slap echoed throughout the living room. Seungri was sure his lips were bleeding, he could taste it. Seungri's crying mother tried to calm her husband down but her attempts were futile. Hana retreated to her room, she did not want to be involved in the hostile conflict.
"Who taught you to answer back, you insolent child!" Mr Lee glared at Jiyong as he balled his fist, "It must be YOU! I should teach you a lesson!"
Mr Lee gave a punch. It was for Jiyong but Seungri received it instead as he shielded his lover from his violent father. The blow sent Seungri to the floor. Jiyong hurriedly helped his boyfriend up. Mr Lee wanted to give another punch, to Jiyong this time, but his wife managed to stop him in time.
"Get out! I don't want to see you anymore! You are not my son! Such a disgrace to the family! Don't you dare admit in public that you're gay! You will tarnish the good name of the family. From today onwards, you’re not part of this family anymore!" Mr Lee screamed before he stomped off, leaving his bawling wife to tend to the two boys.
"Seunghyun-ah," his mother cried out as she pulled him into a tight embrace. Seungri wept in his mother’s arms like a child. ”Umma, I’m sorry, I just love Jiyong so much,” Seungri choked out in between sobs. The heart breaking scene brought tears to Jiyong's eyes.
"You better leave now before I kill the both of you!" Mr Lee yelled as he made his way up the staircase overlooking the living room.
Mrs Lee picked up their bags and urged them to leave instantly.
She walked them to the gate as she continued to sob. Before they stepped out of the gate, Mrs Lee hugged both of them tightly.
"Umma, I'm really sorry," Seungri apologized as he released himself from her embrace. "Please take care of yourself, appa and Hana when I'm gone," he added as he wiped away his tears.
"My son," Mrs Lee caressed her son's face as she spoke "Be happy. I just want you to be happy. Umma love you very much, Seunghyun." She kissed his forehead and cheeks. Seungri gave his mother a tight hug for the last time.
She turned her attention to Jiyong, "Take care of him, I trust you, my son-in-law," she wiped away his tears and gave him a kiss on the forehead.
The two reluctantly left as they waved Mrs Lee goodbye.
"Oppa!" Hana called out for her brother from her bedroom window. She held up her arms and curved them to make a heart shape. In return, her brother gave her flying kisses. She was crying too, but even so, she smiled as she waved goodbye to the couple as they left the place.
--
The couple waited at the bus stop for the last bus to transport them back to Seoul. It was a cold night so they huddled together to keep themselves warm.
During the journey back home, no words were exchanged between the two of them. Only quiet sobs were heard as they held each other.
--
Upon returning to their apartment, Jiyong promptly took out the first aid box to treat Seungri's wounds.
As Jiyong carefully treated his wounds, Seungri's face contorted in pain. Though, the physical pain was nothing compared to the pain he felt in his heart. He felt guilty for what had happened.
“I’m really sorry about what happened today, I didn’t know my dad would react like that,” Seungri broke the silence between them with a heartfelt apology.
Jiyong could see the pain in Seungri’s eyes, “It’s not your fault. I should be the one apologizing, you got disowned by your family because of me.”
“Forgive me? I couldn’t defend or protect you, you got hurt because of me,” Jiyong asked for Seungri’s forgiveness as he kissed the bruises on his lover’s face gently.
Jiyong’s tears were threatening to spill out as he felt useless, not being able to take away his lover’s pain.
“Hey, look at me,” Seungri said as he held Jiyong’s face in his hands to make eye-contact.
“Let’s just forget about today okay? We’re supposed to make happy memories remember? So we should forget the sad ones to make more space for new and happy ones,” Seungri spoke softly as he wiped away Jiyong’s tears.
Seungri placed a kiss on Jiyong’s lips before he continued, “I love you. I don’t want to be with anyone else but you. I may have lost my own family but I’ve got your family. I’m going to marry you so what’s mine is yours and what’s yours is mine. I’m going to be yours and that’s enough for me. Being yours.”
--
To be continued~