Just a few things (:

1) Now translated into Portuguese! [ click here to read ] I, Coffeemilk, gave maypsales, permission to translate my story into Portuguese and post it at her site.

2) It isn't ending just yet, but I already know how I want to end it.
TT U TT

3) Those that actually watch: "Be Careful with My Heart",* SPOILER ALERT* did any of you guys see the part when Sir Chief gave Maya a peck on the cheek???! GAH! IT WAS SO CUTE!! //le dies

4) I'm sure that I messed up this one part. I could have completely missed the mark. I'm refering to the time zones. I think I was over thinking it…so there might be some mistakes. or it could be completely wrong ^^; sorry about that. I know where I was wrong xD

5) SPRING BREAK!! STARTS NOW!! :D

--- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) ---

"These are…nice." Kris along with Hayi were currently in the meeting with the potential buyers from the United States and New Zealand. They were currently looking through his portfolio of his past designs up to present. "We were hoping…well…something new." The buyer from the States said as he closed the book. "Is there anything new that you can offer?"

Kris didn't respond; he continued to stare down at the table, leaning back in his seat while he rubbed his lips with his index and middle finger. It was quite obvious that the other was distracted. Ever since Kris, along with Sehun and Yitao came back home, Chen and Xiumin were quite excited to see Tao, but were surprised to know that the Panda wasn't with them. It was a difficult night, mostly for Yitao and Kris. The young panda would not converse with his father, or any of the employees for that matter. Baekhyun and Chanyeol were informed what happened, and of course Baekhyun was angry at the Dragon for not bringing his best friend back. He was even more angry that he left and no one informed him about it. Kris was even surprised that no one from the airport who witnessed what happened reported to the magazine or newspaper companies that he was seen at the airport in China; he figured that they didn't want to interfere and for that, he thanks them.

"Sir?" The buyer from the States said.

"I-I'm sorry? What was that?" Kris looked up to face the buyers.

"Mr. Jones has asked if you had any new designs to offer." The one from New Zealand asked. "We really like your designs, but they are just things that we have seen by others already. We were hoping from something new. As one of the top five international designers we just hoped for…well, like I said… something new. And I'm sure the customers would like new designs too."

Kris proposed that he can make new designs, even making mock ups just so they can see the designs on the models. The buyers nodded and agreed. As a deal, Kris would make 12 new designs, by the end of the month, which was soon approaching, 2 weeks to exact.

With that, they shook hands and left. Kris collapse on his seat and rubbed his head to ease the headache that he was forming. At times like these, he wished had an apprentice, just so the work load wouldn't be so much. But at the end of the day, he felt accomplished.

"Water?" Hayi asked softly, in which Kris didn't respond. "Boss Kris."

"Huh?"

Hayi took a seat right next to him. "Whats wrong? You have been distracted. Was it because of the plane ride back home?"

Kris shook his head.

"Um," Hayi tapped her finger on the table. "Did something happen?" This time, her Boss nodded. "Well,…do you want to talk about it?" Silence was answered and Hayi figured that her Boss didn't want to talk about it. "Talking about it would help."

Kris gave a chuckle. "You remind me of someone."

"Me?"

"Hm. But…uh, he was just a cashier at a gas station. Said the same thing…talking things out helps."

"Then that guy is right. Talking out helps. I know I'm just a secretary, but we are friends right?" Kris nodded. "So, it's okay to pull me over and talk to me. Even if you need to vent, I'm here to listen."

It took awhile for Kris to respond, but eventually, he told Hayi about what happened, from the beginning to now. As promised, she was a great listener.

"I can't believe you." She finally told him.

"I know." He sighed.

"Did you apologize?"

"I did…but I still feel sick about it. I mean, he didn't look angry…but still…I feel sick." He looked at Hayi with such sad eyes. "I almost him Hayi." He said softly. "What I don't understand is how can he forgive me so easily even if I didn't do anything."

"Hm." Hayi scratched the back of her neck. "Boss Kris…all I can say is…whats done is done, but thankfully you didn't do anything to him. I'm glad Tao is okay, but what I think you should have done is tell Tao that you liked him rather than…well, hurting him…emotionally."

"I know, but I didn't know that I was fall --"

"I understand that, but still…you could have said it in a way that wouldn't hurt him. Yelling him during the time when he was with Geunsuk…and Intae. This is karma you know…you hurt him…now you are hurt. Even more…your son is hurt. It sounds like he really loves Tao. You make it even sound like Tao is his mother now." She started to fiddle with her fingers. "Its horrible for me saying this, but…you lost your chance now. This might be something that you can't get back you know."

Kris froze a bit. 'She is right…I can't have him anymore.'

"Is he happy?" She asked.

Kris went back through his memories. It did seem as if Tao was happy; as the days pass on, he was getting happier and happier, but it was mostly because of Aaron. He bit his lip and nodded. "Yeah…he is happy."

Hayi nodded. "And as I said before Boss Kris…its horrible for me to say this, but since he is happy…its best to…well…you know…just leave him alone."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean…you want Tao to be happy right?" The Dragon nodded. "Well,…even if the person that you like is happy with someone else…it is best to leave it be. You would want the other to be happy and if the person that he or she is with makes them happy then let it be. You would want Tao to be happy right? If this Aaron guy makes Tao happy…then its best to step down. If you don't it probably would just make matters worse…Tao might hate you."

As much as it pained Kris to hear it, it was true. He didn't want to hurt Tao anymore, he didn't want to make him sad anymore. All he wanted was Tao to smile and be happy, and if Aaron was the one making him happy, then he would gladly step down. He felt Hayi pat his back.

"I'm sorry Boss Kris."

The Dragon couldn't hold back the tears anymore; he choked a bit and a few drops of tears fell from the corner of his eyes. He turned to face Hayi and hugged her tightly.

"It hurts."

Surprised by her Boss' reaction, she slowly patted his back in comfort. "I'm sorry."

--- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) ---

Tao stirred his cup of coffee, staring into nothing that was on the table. It was a quiet, morning in the day care and learning center, and the children wouldn't be coming until the afternoon. He continued to stir until he felt a hand on his shoulder. Tao looked up to see Hyuna looking down at him with worried eyes.

"Are you okay?"

The Panda simply nodded his head.

"You sure?"

Again, the Panda nodded.

Hyuna didn't press any further. She gave a nodded and returned back to cleaning the area for the children.

Its been weeks since the airport incident, Tao has been quiet, even if he was with Aaron. He wouldn't eat as much, making Luhan worry, he wasn't his happy self with Aaron, even if he tried to cover it, or with anyone, not even the children at the center.

'What is wrong with me?' He let out a sigh; he was about to take a drink from his coffee, but once he sipped the coffee, he grimaced.  'It's cold.'

--- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) ---

It was already the end of the month and through those weeks, Kris worked hard in making the designs look perfect at possible. The potential buyers were impressed and bought the 12 clothings that he created. Just when Kris thought that he could have a little break, Hayi informed him that the fashion show case was coming up soon.

"Ah…it is that time again." Kris sighed as he adjusted his phone. "Time to go back to New York."

"Hm," Hayi nodded through the phone. "This time, it is going to start in June 11. So you basically have the whole month of May and about a week and a half to work."

"Yeah, better get cracking. I'll talk to you later Hayi. Thanks for telling me." With that, he hanged up the phone. He brushed his hair back and stood up from his drawing desk that he was sitting on. He made his way out the door, to his son's room.

"Yitao?"

No response.

"Yitao…please open the door."

Again, no response from the young panda.

Kris let out a shaking breath. 'We are back where we started Yitao.' "Please open up." He grabbed the door handle and started to open, but soon, the door was being pushed back. His own son forbade him to enter. He was still angry at his father for not bring his 'mother' back like he promised.

Respecting his wishes, he took a step back and returned back to his room. 'Yup…back where we started.' He flopped on his bed; he reached out for a pillow and placed it under his head. 'Maybe a nap will be nice.'

--- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) ---

The month of May rolled on by and Tao had still put on a face in front of everyone. He would smile as if nothing was wrong, even if he made it genuine, they knew something was wrong. Even when his birthday rolled along, he didn't feel like celebrating. His brothers tried to help him, but whatever they did, Tao would just shut them off. Aaron tried his best to talk to him or take him out on dates; Tao would go, hoping that it would make him happy again, but still, something lingered in the Panda's heart. He would put a face up for Aaron, hoping that the other won't noticed his distant mind. There were even times where the Panda would come up with some excuse to even go. Not wanting his now boyfriend to be angry with him, Aaron respected his wishes. Hyuna even tried, but like the others, Tao wished to be alone.

"Please Tao…" Luhan sat across from him at the table. "Please…its been over a month now…please talk to me."

Tao slowly gazed up at his elder brother. "What is there to talk about?"

"Anything…but…Tao…you haven't been eating properly…your eyes always have this blank stare…those smiles that you do are fake and we know it. If you don't tell me whats wrong I can't help you." Luhan scooted closer to the table. "I'm really close into taking you to the hospital. There might be something wrong with you now with the not eating and such."

"I'm fine Lu --"

"No you are not!" He raised his voice a bit. By then, Yixing came into the kitchen. "Tao you are not fine. Is this about Aaron?" Tao shook his head. "Is this about…is it about Kris?" Tao bit his lip, making Luhan, as well as Yixing, well aware now that the problem with Tao was because of Kris.

"Did he say anything to you?" Yixing asked, making Tao look over his shoulder. The Panda slowly shook his head. "Then, did he do anything? To you, more specifically."

"Um," Tao has not mention to his brothers, his boyfriend, or his best friend what Kris did. He didn't think that it would matter since he didn't really do anything, but what kept his mind occupied was  what he said.

"I lik -- love you Tao."

"H-he didn't." The Panda finally said. "He didn't do anything."

"That is a bunch of bull." Luhan stood up from his seat. "I know there is something. Ever since that time when Kris got drunk…something must have happened, because after, you weren't yourself. Did he hurt you when he was in that state?"

"He --"

"Don't lie to me." The elder glared at his youngest brother.

"He didn't do anything to me! God, just leave me alone! I'm fine!" Tao got up from his chair and stormed out of their apartment.

"That went well." Yixing said softly.

"Kris did something! I just know it!" Luhan raised his voice at his brother. "Why ins't Tao telling us?"

"Luhan…please, calm down."

Luhan shook his head and sat back down on the table. He let out a sigh. 'Tao please talk to us.'

--- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) ---

Tao took the bus to Aaron's apartment, looking out the window as the bus was driving down the streets.

'Stupid Luhan…stupid Yixing…questioning me.'

He sniffed a bit and wiped his eyes.

'None of them has to go through this! Why me?! I'm perfectly fine without…without him…what gives him the right to say that anyway…I love you Tao…yeah right! That was the alcohol talking…yeah…thats right, the alcohol.'

Once he reached his stop, he got off and headed straight to Aaron's apartment. He knocked on the door three times. 'Please me home…please be home…please be --' The door opened with Aaron with just casual clothes on.

"Tao?" He gave a worried expression when he saw how distraught his boyfriend was. "Are you okay? Were you just crying just now?" He moved to the side and let Tao in; he motioned for Tao to take a seat on the couch while he made his way to the kitchen to get him a glass of water.

Once he got the glass, he made his way next to Tao on the couch with the glass at hand. He gave it to him, who only rejected it. Aaron nodded and placed the glass of water on the coffee table in front of them. It was silent among them, only the ticking of the clock could be heard.

Aaron glanced back at Tao; The Panda cleared his throat a bit, making Aaron shift in his seat a bit.

"Tao…please talk to me." He said with a worried voice.

The Panda shook his head; he leaned over and laid his head on Aaron's shoulder.

"Can we just sit here?"

Aaron was about to protest; he wanted to know what is bugging his boyfriend. Was it him? Did he do something wrong? 'Or is it something else?' He sighed a bit, wrapping his arm around Tao's shoulder, rubbing his shoulder in comfort. He turned and placed a kiss on the Panda's head  "Please talk to me…something is wrong and I know it." He murmured through Tao's hair. "I can't help you if you don't tell me."

"You sound like Luhan."

Aaron chuckled a bit. "But its true."

Tao let out a shaky breath. "Um…I've just been thinking."

"A lot. I know. We all noticed and we are deeply worried Tao. Ever since that incident from the airport when Kris and his son…and that one guy…which I didn't really catch his name…but anyway, ever since then…you've been acting distant from all of us."

Silence was given and Aaron continued.

"Are you sad because Kris, Yitao, and that one guy left?"

"Sort of…but…"

"But…?"

"N-nevermind."

"No." Aaron got up from the couch and knelt down in front of Tao, grabbing his hands with his. "Don't 'nevermind'…please tell me."

Tao stared into Aaron's pleading eyes.

"Tao, you have to tell me…your brothers, Hyuna…whats --"

"He told me loved me okay?!! He said that he loved me!!" Tao tugged his hands away and buried his face with his hands. Aaron went wide eyed.

'So, it was him.' He looked at Tao's covered face. He was starting to worry; he started to have thoughts racing through his mind, if Tao liked him, if he and Kris was having some sort of relationship when Tao was with him. Aaron's stomach started to turn, what if it was all true. He noticed that Tao's knees were slightly shaking. He placed his hands on his legs, trying to calm him down.

"Wha…what did you say…to him?" Aaron asked in a soft voice.

Tao brought his hands down from his face. "I didn't. I didn't tell him that he said those words to me."

'What?' Aaron raised his eyebrow in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"H-he…he was drunk when he told me." The Panda whispered.

"He was drunk?" Aaron couldn't believe it; his boyfriend could have gotten hurt by him. "Did he hurt you?"

"N-no…w-well…he did…try to…w-well you know."

"You mean…he --"

Tao nodded. "B-but he didn't do anything. Before he could, he collapsed. I-it was the alcohol." He let out a sigh. "Still to this day…I'm sure he doesn't know that he said that to me."

Aaron scooted himself closer to Tao, now situated between his legs. He grabbed Tao's hands and held them, them softly with his thumbs.

"How do you feel?"

"What do you mean?"

"What I mean is…how did you feel when he said…those words to you?"

Tao froze a bit. How did he feel. Of course he felt angry, this was the whole reason why he went back to China. His former Boss didn't like him having a crush on him, so he tried his best to move on, but whenever he was with someone, he would get mad at him. And now his former Boss is telling him that he loves him?

"I felt angry." Tao finally said, but Aaron felt that there was more to it.

"But."

"B-but what?" The Panda raised his eyebrow. 'That is how I felt…what more --'

"There is something else. I can feel it." Aaron shifted a bit. "Did you like him?"

"What does that --"

"Did you like him…Kris…at one point have you ever had feelings for him." Aaron asked again.

Through Tao's memories, he remembered the times of his former Boss; from the beginning when Chanyeol brought him to meet Kris, how apathetic he was to him in the beginning to now. Everything about his former Boss, disregarding the times where he was angry at him, he liked him. No doubt about it, he did have feelings for him. Like he said before, he was the person of his dreams. But he had feelings for him. Had. He has Aaron now, and he was happy. Wasn't he?

"I…I did."

"Do you still?"

"I…"

"Do you still have feelings for him now?" Aaron repeated.

"I-I…" A rush of memories of Kris filled Tao's mind; from his smiles and laughter to where he would remind Tao to be careful that the things that he does. Even if he did have this apathetic exterior, deep down he was a caring and a cheerful man, protective and sweet, to his employees, to his son. Everything that Tao loved about him. Even down to the little knacks that he does, which in his opinion he finds adorable. Up to now, his mind was constantly on what Kris said; his mind was filled with his former Boss. Solely on Kris. Tao's mind drifted a bit to the time at the airport; he remembered how sad Kris' face was and it broke his heart. He didn't like that side of him, he didn't like the idea of his former Boss being sad. 'But I have Aaron…he is sweet just like him…he is caring just like him…he hasn't yelled at me, unlike him…but,' Tao could feel his heart beat faster than usual. 'But…Aaron isn't Kris…' By then an image of Kris smiling at him made his heart beat.

After what felt like an eternity, he looked down at Aaron as if he hit a realization; he started to shake his head.

"I'm so sorry Aaron." He said with a shaky breath. "I…I-I think..I still love him."

Aaron blinked a couple of times; he felt his heart ache, but through the pain, he gave a weak smile. "Is that s-so."

Tao cupped the other's cheeks, bringing his eyes to look at him. "I'm so sorry Aaron…b-but I think I still I have feelings for him."

"Despite everything he has done to you?"

"Everything. I…its just that…" Tao sighed. "I can't quiet explain it Aaron…but…I just know that…I still have these feelings for him."

It was quiet for a bit, but Aaron spoke with a shaky tone. "You think that that man can give you more happiness than I can?"

Tao let out a sigh. "It won't be fair for you. Won't you feel sad to know that…that my heart is loving Kris and not you? I do…I do love you Aaron, but my heart is telling me that it loves Kris." He sighed. "I'm…I'm so sorry."

Aaron gave a shaky breath, but nodded. "I…I understand." He stood up to sit on the coffee table.

"Y-you aren't mad?"

"I…I would like you to be happy Tao. A-and if he is the one that truly makes you happy," He gave a genuine smile at the other. "Then I'll be happy." As much as it ached Aaron to say those words, he truly wanted Tao to be happy.

Tao gave a smile in return. "Thank you. Thank you for understanding." He grabbed Aaron's hands and gave them a gentle squeeze. They sat there for a moment, holding each other by the hand with the clock still ticking. "I…I think I better go." Tao slowly stood up, releasing his grip of Aaron's hands, to much of his displeasure. He shook it off and nodded.

Aaron got up and walked towards the front door. He opened it for Tao and the Panda took his step out; he turned around and gave Aaron one last goodbye. Before he could step any further, Aaron grabbed his hand.

"Hm?" Tao gave a confused expression. "Whats wrong?"

"Um…I know that this may sound strange and all since he just…I guess, broken up, b-but can I just have one last…um…kiss?"

"A kiss?"

"Hm." He nodded as a tinge of red formed on his cheeks. Tao slowly smiled. It was the least he could do for the other, for being understanding. Tao cupped the other's cheeks and brought him down for a kiss, their last kiss as a couple. He slowly pulled away, resting their foreheads together.

"Thank you." Aaron said softly. "I wish you and Kris happiness. That comes from the bottom of my heart Tao." He placed a kiss on Tao's cheek. The Panda smiled.

"Thank you." He brought his hands down to his sides and started to head down stairs. Aaron watched at the Panda made his way out of the apartment complex. He gave a weak smile; he started to rub his chest, more specifically where his heart was.

"Wow…this actually hurts." He gave a faint chuckle, but slowly his dejected expression over took him. 'Kris…please keep Tao happy. Please.'

--- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) ---

Kris shivered a bit as if he felt someone was telling him something. He looked around his studio and as expected, no one was there. He shook it off and continued to work. He has a few hours left to finish his clothes for the fashion show case that was being held in New York.

During his hard work, Kris hasn't slept that well nor eaten a decent meal due to his work as well as having Tao cloud over his mind. He would maybe eat a few chips and some coffee sufficed, but the last time he had a good meal was when Xiumin made chicken and dumplings that he loved so much; that was more than weeks ago. His stomach growled a bit and Kris laid in hand over his stomach.

'I know tummy…I'm hungry too. We have to keep working'

Kris coughed a bit, clearing his throat.

'Wow…where did the cough come from?'

He shrugged it off and went back to work. Kris scratched his cheek and to much of his discomfort, he rubbed his jawline. 'Gross…I need to shave.' He whined a bit. 'But so much work!' He let a groan afterwards. 'Hm…I should really hire some helpers. Should I start being like Margaux? She has many helpers and apprentices…but,' He the fabric that he had on his table. 'I like being the one who makes them.'

He chuckled a bit and started to continue to work.

--- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) ---

Tao rushed back to his apartment as fast as he could.

'I have to go back!'

He opened the door quickly, scaring both Luhan and Yixing.

"T-Tao?" Luhan got up from his  couch. "Whats wrong? Why are --"

"I have to go." He said as he ran past his brother.

"Go?" The eldest looked at Yixing, who only gave a shrug. They followed their younger brother to his room, who started to throw clothes at a duffle bag that was on his bed. "Whoa! Hold up!" He grabbed an article of clothing that laid on the floor. "Tao, whats going on?"

"I have to go." The Panda stated as he said before, not even looking at his brothers. "I still like him."

"Him? Aaron?" Yixing asked, in which Tao shook his head.

"No." He stopped stuffing his clothes in the duffle bag. "I still like Kris."

Luhan went wide eyed, while Yixing grinned a bit.

"What?" The eldest asked. "Your former Boss? You like him? What about Aaron? Does he know that you are doing this?"

The Panda nodded his head as he placed his shirt in the duffle bag. "He knows. I…I told him that I still have feelings for Kris. To my surprise, he understood."

"What did he say?"

"He said that he wanted me to be happy…you know." He sighed; he remembered how sad Aaron was. The other was really in love with him and he felt bad for breaking his heart, but he didn't want to keep on living when his heart was constantly thinking of someone else.

Luhan was about to say something, but was interrupted by Yixing. "Is this what you want Tao?" The youngest among them turned his head, giving a look of 'of course'.

"I do like him --"

"Like and love are two different things." Yixing pointed out. "I want you to tell us…do you like him…or love him?"

"I…" Tao's heart began to beat when an image of Kris formed in his mind, smiling at him. He nodded his head. "I love him very much."

A small smile formed on Yixing's face. "Okay. Absolutely sure?"

"Positive."

"Even if all the things he did to you?" Luhan asked, making the Panda raise his eyebrow.

"You make it seem as if he did hurt me in any way."

"Erm," Luhan forgot to mention to Tao that Sehun informed him about everything that happened; from Geunsuk to Intae and to everything in between. "W-well…um…okay, Sehun told me everything."

"About?"

"About…well, everything...from the beginning…when you got drunk--"

"Drunk?" Yixing raised his attention to the word. "You drank?"

"Hm." Tao nodded with embarrassment. "It…was Geunsuk…you guys remember him?" They nodded. "W-well, he was in Korea…and he took me out and after dinner, he said that we should go to a bar, even when I refused, but I just thought that I just won't drink anything…but he got me drunk."

A flicker of angry shined on Tao's older brothers. He knew that they were disliking the story already.

"And…a-and, he tried to…you know. He --"

"What?!" Luhan yelled, making Tao jump a bit. "He tried to force himself on you?!"

"H-he did, but…"

Luhan motioned for Tao to answer faster. "And what happened?"

"Kris saved me."

"What?" Yixing spoke. "Saved you? He was there?"

"I think he called me when I was out of it…but I did tell him before hand that I would be going to a bar and I gave him the name. So before Geunsuk could do anything, he saved me."

"Thank god then." Luhan said. 'Thats…nice of him. A gold star for him then.'

"And yeah…thats it. He saved me."

"But he got mad you…right?" The eldest said. "That time and the time with Intae?"

"That…okay that was his fault." Tao pointed out. "He thought that Intae kissed me, which he didn't." He tapped his cheek with his left index finger. "He gave me a peck on the cheek."

"So…even when he got mad at you…for the most stupidest things, like the one with Intae…you are willing to forgive him?"

Tao pondered a bit, but nodded. "I'm willing to do it." He placed his hand over his heart. "He is human after all. We all make mistakes. My heart is telling me to be with him." He smiled at his brothers. "That and…he told me that he loved me." With that, he turned to continue to pack.

Luhan stared at his younger brother, but quickly left the room, making Yixing raise his eyebrow. He shrugged it off and helped Tao to pack.

"So…he told you huh?"

"Hm." Tao nodded, which was completely true, just minus the fact that he told him in a drunken state, which, to this day, no one, but him and Kris know. "Yeah."

"Butterflies in the stomach? Heart fluttering?"

"Hm…my heart was beating fast. Extremely fast."

Yixing laughed and nodded at what the Panda told him.

"Thank you Yixing." He smiled at his older brother as he grabbed the pants from him.

"No problem." Yixing smiled. "I want you to be happy Tao…and if he is the one, then he is the one. Kris better give it to you…or else I'm gunna high kick him in the face."

"But…you don't know how to do martial arts." Tao said as he blinked cutely at his brother.

"I know." He chuckled. "I was just joking." Yixing ruffled the other's hair. "I know that he is a good match for you."

"How? How do you know that?"

Yixing chuckled. "I can feel it."

They continued to pack some of Tao's stuff in the duffle bag. By then Luhan came back and handed Tao two envelopes.

"Whats this?" Tao asked as he grabbed the two envelopes.

"This one has money in it…you said you needed to leave right? This is plane money."

"L-Luhan! I still have money left over from my work with --"

"I know…um, extra cash? The left over can be something else then." He smiled.

"Thank you Luhan. I swear…I'll pay you back."

The eldest shook his head. "No need. My brother's happiness is good enough for me. I want you to be happy." Tao smiled and looked back down at the envelopes that were in his hands.

"What about this extra one?"

Luhan blushed. "T-that…can you give it to Sehun please?"

"Sehun? Why?"

Both Tao and Yixing were staring at the eldest, waiting for an answer. Of course, Luhan hasn't told any of them that he and the gardener were an item. He liked the fact that the kept it a secret, and Sehun was even willing to keep it a secret as well.

"Well?" Yixing raised his eyebrow at his brother, yet grinning in the inside. "Why is the envelope for Se--"

"You ask too many questions." Luhan interrupted. "Please Tao?"

"S-sure." Tao opened a side pocket and placed the envelope inside.

"Oh! And make sure don't look in it okay." He gave his most threaten look, but Yixing and Tao, then just ended up chuckling. "Yah! Stop laughing at me!" The eldest puffed his cheeks.

Tao stood up and grabbed his duffle bag. "Don't worry, I won't Luhan." He checked the clock that was hanging on his wall. 'Its only 9am…that means its 10am over there…I hope that they will have a ticket left for me to go.' He turned to face his brothers. "I'll get going now. Please…um, tell Aaron that I left…and please tell him thank you. And tell Hyuna I'm sorry for leaving without telling her. I know that she will get mad at me." He slightly chuckled. Tao made his way to the front door, with his brothers at tow.

"Have a safe flight Tao." Luhan said with a smile.

"Make sure you call us when you land okay." Yixing reminded the other.

"Will do." He smiled. With that he left with a smile on his face.

'I'm coming home guys!'

--- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) ---

"Ha? Seriously?" Tao gave a pout at the lady in front of him. He was just informed that the next flight to Seoul will be at 4:00pm. "Are you sure there isn't any other flight time?"

"I'm sorry sir, but the next flight is going to be at 4:00pm."

Tao whined a bit, but agreed to get the ticket. He paid the lady and in return, she gave him the ticket. The Panda adjusted his bag and headed towards the seats. 'Its going to take so long.' He looked around saw a book store. 'I could buy books to pass the time.' He made his way over to the book store, glancing at the books on display. 'Now…what should I buy?' He looked through various books, from finances, to comic books, to books on fun facts. Tao shivered a bit when he felt someone staring at him; he looked up and saw that it was in fact, someone was staring at him. The stranger smiled at his direction; embarrassed, Tao looked back at the book.

'Just ignore him Tao.'

He placed the book back on the shelf and picked up another one. 'This one looks interesting.' He flipped through it, reading a few sentences.

"That one is a good one."

Tao slightly jumped and quickly turn his head to the right. 'The guy just had to come huh?' Not wanting to be rude, he closed the book, pretending to glance the cover. "Is that so? I guess I'll get it then." He gave a smile to the other and started to walk away. 'Weirdo.'

Tao made his way around the book store and stopped once he saw a particular book that caught his eye. 'Oh wow!' He grabbed the book, displaying a happy smile. 'They have it!' The book that Tao was holding happened to be one of his favorite children's books when he was young; Chinese Classical Stories I. He flipped through it and beamed. 'They even have an english translation for the non-chinese speakers! How cool! I need to get this for Yitao! I'm sure he will like it.'

"Ah…for your kid?"

Once again, Tao jumped when he heard the sudden voice. 'Him again?!' "U-um…yeah. For my child." Tao said to the other, even though it was a lie.

"Ah." The stranger sounded slightly disappointed, but Tao tried his best to ignore it. "My bad."

"Hm?" The Panda raised his eyebrow at the man. "What do you mean?"

The stranger rubbed the back of his neck. "W-well, I was going to ask if you wanted to have lunch with me." He gave a chuckle. "I thought that you were gay and single."

'What?! T-this guy…this guy was trying to ask me out?! He is so forward!' "Oh! I-is that so? U-um…I am gay…but, sorry. I'm," 'Think Tao! Think! Say that you are taken! Taken! Taken! Say that you have a boyfriend! Boyfriend!' "I have a husband." '! That isn't what I wanted to say!! Damn it Tao!' He groaned a bit in his head. 'C-close enough though…'

"Oh! Damn then…I'm sorry." The stranger said. "I didn't know…since you aren't wearing a ring and all.

Tao slightly panicked; his lie was going to be the death of him. "I forgot my ring back in Korea." 'Oh! Good one Tao. Good one.' He praised himself a bit.

"Hm." He nodded, believe every word that Tao said. "The guy is lucky then." He slightly blushed at the other. "I just wanted to tell you that you are really breathtaking."

Tao slightly blushed. 'N-not really…but he is so forward.' "T-thank you. That is really kind of you to say." He said softly.

"I'm Ziqian." He held out his hand, in which Tao took and shook hands.

"Tao."

"A perfect name for a perfect face." He smiled.

The Panda blushed once more. "T-thanks."

The two started to converse, much to Tao's discomfort, but gradually, he started to warm up to Ziqian. They ended up having drinks, just some orange juice, and continued to talk to one another.

"Flight to Taipei, Taiwan. Now boarding."

"Oh." Ziqian looked up. "Thats me." He stood up from his seat and grabbed his bags. "Sorry Tao…I guess our chat time has to be cut off. Have a safe flight though." He waved goodbye to the other.

"You too. Have a safe flight." Tao waved back. As he watched the other walk away to his gate, he sighed a bit. He checked his cell phone and noticed that it was still not time yet. 'That …now I have no one to talk to.' He sighed again and placed his iphone on the table. 'Well I did buy the books…I could read.' Tao opened his duffle bag and grabbed the books; he ended up buying 5 books, courtesy of Ziqian. "This looks interesting."

--- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) ---

Kris coughed and rubbed his eye with his right hand. 'Damn it.' He felt a headache coming on, but he did his best to finish up last minute stitching. Even though he was able to do 12 clothes in a day, he wanted these 12 designs to be taken care of. Ever seam, ever thread counted. Everything needed to be perfect.

A knock was heard and Kris looked over his shoulder to see Chen carrying some food on a tray.

"Xiumin told me to come up here." He approached the other, placing the tray on an open space on his table. "You have to eat."

"Later."

"No way." Chen shook his head. "Boss, you haven't been eating right. Please eat this. Its simple and Xiumin made it. You like Xiumin's cooking."

"I know. But I have to finish this…everything needs to be perfect."

Chen glanced at the clothes that were on the rack. "Boss…they look great. So, why don't you eat something? And take a nap…and maybe shave? You really don't look so good."

Kris was about to respond, when he let out a cough. Chen rushed over and patted his back.

"See! You are already coughing! Your immune system must be low now --"

"When I'm done with these…I'll eat."

The other, was about to protest, when the Dragon told him that he promises to do so when he is finished.

"Okay…but you promised." Chen was about to leave, when Kris spoke.

"How is Yitao, Chen?"

"He…is fine Boss. He isn't speaking to any of us though."

"Is he eating?"

"Hm." Chen nodded. "He is."

Kris nodded. "Okay…thank you."

Chen made his way out of Kris' studio, to his room, then out the door. He closed it gently and made his way downstairs. The chauffeur spotted Xiumin sitting on a stool, with his elbows propped on the counter, hands folded and placed under his chin.

"I gave him the food." Chen spoke, making the other turn his head.

"Is he eating?"

"Hm." He shook his head. "No…but he said that he promises after he is done." Chen took a seat beside his boyfriend, who gave a worried expression. "He is…um, coughing a bit."

"What?"

"Yeah…he was coughing. I think it is because he isn't eating well…or sleeping well. Do you think he is stressed?"

Xiumin pondered a bit. They knew that it couldn't be the case; their Boss never had a stress problem. "Maybe it is something else."

"What do you mean?"

Xiumin turned to Chen. "Maybe it is…sadness."

Chen raised his eyebrow. "Sad? He is sad about going to the fashion show?"

"No…what I mean is that…maybe he is missing Tao." Xiumin shifted in his seat to fully face Chen. "Ever since he came back home…he's just been…well you know, occupied with something. I think it is Tao. I mean, he didn't come back home, so maybe it is him."

"Hm." Chen pondered a bit. 'Maybe he is right. Maybe Boss is missing Tao.' "Should we try and convince Tao to come home then?"

Xiumin shook his head. "We can't interfere. You know that. It is between Kris and Tao."

"I know, but…I'm just worried okay."

The chef chuckled and patted the other on the cheek. "Worried I see." He sighed a bit. "I'm worried too. I wonder how Tao is taking it though."

--- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) ---

'3…2…1!!'

"All boarding for Seoul -- Eep!!"

Tao handed his ticket to the lady, almost shoving the ticket in her face. It was getting close to 4:00 and Tao was ready to leave; back to Korea.

"O-okay…um," The lady took hold of the ticket. "M-may I just finish my boarding call?"

Tao quickly nodded and the lady resumed back informing the passengers that it was time to board the plane to Seoul, South Korea. As expected, the lady let first the first class and the disabled. Tapping his foot, already wanting to go home, he groaned a bit.

'Come on…come on.'

Soon, the lady informed that the rest are now able to board; Tao was first in line, once he was approved, he bolted through the tunnel that connected the airport to the plane. He found his seat and situated himself. The Panda, never in his life, wanted to yell at everyone to hurry up. In his eyes, everyone was taking their sweet time, putting their things in the compartment or walking to their seat. He started to rub the side of his head trying to calm himself. The man sitting beside him, gave a worried expression.

"Are you okay?"

Tao looked up at the man and nodded his head. "Yeah. Um…I'm just ready to go home." He gave a weak smile.

"Oh, excited to go home huh?" The man chuckled. "Someone waiting for you at home?"

"Ah," Tao paused a minute, but quickly smiled. "Yeah. It's a surprise though."

"Then it will be a great surprise then."

"It sure will be."

--- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) ---

"Thanks sir." Tao thanked the taxi driver and handed him some money. As the car drove off, he turned around to a very familiar mansion. He slowly smiled. 'I'm home.' He checked his watch and it was almost 5 in the afternoon. Tao adjusted his duffle bag and punched in the code so the gate would open for him. As the gate beeps three times, he opened the gate and closed it once he was at the other side. Tao quickly made his way to the front door, but stopped when he realized that he doesn't have the key anymore to the house.

'What am I going to do now?' He groaned to himself. 'Oh! Sehun!'

He whipped out his cell phone and dialed Sehun's number. 'Pick up! Pick up!'

"H-hello?"

"Hello? Sehun?"

"Hm? T-Tao?" Sehun said with a groggy voice. "W-what's wrong? Why --"

"Open the door!" Tao whispered harshly.

"What?"

"Open the door?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Open the front door! Of the mansion!"

"The mansion? You're in Korea?"

Tao rolled his eyes. "No…no, Sehun actually I'm in London…at the Buckingham palace. I'm looking at it right now."

A pause was made, making Tao slightly worried that Sehun might have hanged up on him.

"Really?" Sehun finally said, making Tao slap his face with his hand.

"Sehun! Just open the front door! I'm standing right in front of the door of the mansion. I'm in Korea for god sakes!"

"No way!" Tao heard Sehun got up from what he thinks is his bed. "You are seriously back?"

"Yeah. I am."

"Holy shi-- Boss is going to be happy! And Yitao too!"

Tao smiled a bit; he couldn't wait to surprise the both of them. He for sure knows how Yitao is going to react, but he couldn't help, but wonder how the other is going to react upon seeing him.

After a few minutes the door opened and immediately, Sehun lunged forward giving the Panda a tight hug.

"I seriously missed you!" He said as softly as he could. He pulled from the hug and gave Tao a pat on the back.

"I missed you too. All of you." Tao gave a smile back.

They both entered the mansion, with Sehun closing the door behind him.

"Where is everyone?" Tao asked, looking over his shoulder.

"Xiumin needed to go to the grocery store to get some things. Chen went with him…Chanyeol is with Baekhyun. Yitao is in his room napping...Kris is in his room too."

"What were you doing then? Before I came I mean."

"I was taking a nap."

"Oh, my bad."

Sehun shook his head. "Its fine."

They chatting a bit while heading up to Tao's room.

"So, what made you decide to come back." Sehun asked as he sat on Tao's bed.

"Realization."

Sehun gave a confused expression. "Okay…I'm lost."

Tao turned to face the other. "I…okay…do you remember when Kris got drunk?"

"When we were at your place? Yeah? What about it?"

"Well…he told me that he loved me."

"W-wait…what? He said that?"

Tao nodded. "Yeah, but…he was drunk when he said it to me." He let out a sigh.

'Damn it Boss!' Sehun thought. 'That is definitely not how I thought you would do it.'

"And I realized…that I still love him."

"Love him?"

"Basically…my heart wouldn't let me get rid of him." Tao patted his heart, chuckling a bit in the process. "My heart loves him too much."

Sehun smiled. "Is that so."

"Yeah."

Tao started to open his duffle bag; he started to place his clothes back in closet, smiling a bit in the process. Once he was done, he placed his duffle bag on the side of his night stand.

"Kris is leaving."

Tao quickly looked up at the gardener. "What do you mean?"

"He is going to New York for a fashion show. The International Five, I mean, that is what they are known…him and 4 others…have a show, but anyway, he is leaving to show case his new designs."

"What time?"

"Well…he has to leave Seoul before 6 tonight because it will be 5 in the morning there in New York. The next day he is going to have his show at 10 at night over there."

"Oh." Tao checked his watch. "Soon huh?"

"Yeah. We were worried about him too."

"Is something wrong?"

"Well, he hasn't been eating properly or sleeping well ever since  we came back from China. We knew that it couldn't be his work because we know him. He can make pretty damn gorgeous clothes in a small amount of time, but this time, he is giving extra thought into it. I mean, of course Boss does put lots of consideration to his works…he is only making 12 and it has taken him all of May to complete it. We just thought that it was unusual. For some designers it does take them that long, but for Kris…it was just weird. So, we are thinking that the designs that he is making must be extra special." Sehun pondered a bit. "Well, no, Kris does put lots of effort in his designs, but these clothes, when one of us checks up on him, he is making sure everything is perfect. Like, extremely perfect. So, we were…just thinking that maybe it was because you weren't here. He probably misses you a lot. Plus, Yitao hasn't been speaking to any of us."

The Panda frowned. "O-oh." 'Its my fault that he hasn't been eating properly…or sleeping well. Tao, look what you did.' Tao started to fiddle with his hands. He started to worry about Kris since he hasn't been taking care of himself.

"Well, I'm going to go." Sehun started to get up from Tao's bed.

"Oh!" Tao looked through his duffle bag and opened a pocket to retrieve the envelope that Luhan gave him. "Before you leave, Luhan wanted me to give you this."

"L-Luhan?" Sehun sat up straight upon hearing the Chinese man's name.

"Hm." Tao handed the envelope to the gardener in which he gladly took. Sehun stared at the envelope in his hands, wondering what Luhan wrote for him. He thanked the other and told Tao that he will go back to his room. "Um, Sehun."

The gardener turned his head. "Yeah?"

"Is there something going on between you and elder brother?"

Sehun blushed. "Why?"

Tao shrugged. "I was just wondering. You guys seem very close now." He smiled. "Thats good though. I mean, the first time you guys met…hm, you guys didn't hit it off well. I was worried."

"Oh, w-well, we are in good terms now." He gave a reassuring smile. 'More than that though, but I'll wait till Luhan is ready to tell everyone.' "I'm heading back okay?"

Tao nodded and bid goodbye to the other. The gardener left the Panda's room and glanced back at the envelope, and opened it; he really wanted to know what Luhan had to write. Was he going to tell him that he regrets saying that he loved him? Or was it something uplifting like he missed him and such. They didn't give each other their cell phone numbers, which they should have done in the first place. It was torture for the gardener not to hear the other's voice. As Sehun started to walk to his room, he took out the paper.

'To my handsome…handsome huh?' Sehun smiled a bit. 'To my handsome Sehun…'

He sat on his bed and read the letter. Luhan basically told Sehun how he missed him dearly and wished that they could be together. The gardener nodded his head in agreement; he too missed Luhan and how he wished he could be with him. As Sehun turned over the paper, Luhan continued to write how Tao has been acting and how much it was worrying him.

"So please Sehun, watch over him okay?"

"I will."

Sehun continued to read down and a smile was brought on his face. Next to "Love from your lovely Luhan" were numbers.

"Call me too! My cell number! Love you!"

Sehun chuckled at the little message and the quickly sketched drawing on the bottom of the paper.

'Cute…just like Luhan.'

--- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) ---

Tao sat at the edge of his bed, looking around his room. 'It hasn't changed since I left.' He sighed a bit and stared at his door. "I should check up on them." He slowly got up and made his way out the door. Tao started to head to Yitao's room first; he wanted to make sure that his baby was okay. Once he reached the young panda's room, he slowly turned the door handle; Tao peaked through and with the help of the night light, saw the young panda on his bed, facing the wall with his covers up to his neck. He smiled a bit and entered Yitao's room. 'Taking a nap I see.' Slowly, he closed the door and crept over to the young panda's bed. He sat down, making sure not to make any big movements to wake the other. The young panda stirred, making Tao freeze a bit; Yitao turned over, with his still eyes still closed, facing Tao. The Panda smiled a bit, admiring the young panda's face.

'I wonder what else you got from your dad. I'm sure you got his height. Hm, maybe talent? Personality? You look so much like your real mommy. She was pretty.'

Yitao then let out a cute sneeze, making Tao automatically say 'bless you'. The Panda quickly covered his mouth. 'Damn it! I'm going to wake him up!'

Slowly, the young panda blinked; he opened his eyes, blinking a couple of times to adjust to the darkness. He lifted his head and was now staring at his 'mother'. Yitao's eyes went wide.

"Mommy?"

Tao smiled at the other; he was going to greet him when Yitao lunged himself at Tao, wrapping his little arms around the other's neck.

"Mommy came back home!" He said against Tao's shoulder.

The Panda hugged Yitao tightly; he sure missed how the young panda would give him hugs. Tao started to rub his cheek against the young panda's head.

"Did mommy miss me?"

Tao giggled. "Yes, I really did Yitao. Mommy missed you a whole lot." He was about to pull back, but Yitao kept his grip tight on the other's neck.

"I wanna hold onto mommy longer."

Instead of protesting, the Panda let the other do what he wanted. Tao patted Yitao's back in comfort; he figured that the other really missed him. A replay of the airport scene made him frown. He didn't like seeing Yitao sad or getting angry at Kris or even Kris being sad. They continued to sit on Yitao's bed for a while, holding onto each other.

"Mommy isn't leaving right?" Yitao finally asked.

Tao shook his head. "No Yitao. Mommy staying."

"What about uncle Aaron? Is he here too?"

The Panda bit his lip. "N-no Yitao…he isn't here."

"Why? I like uncle Aaron." He pulled back, showing Tao his puffed out cheeks, making the Panda giggle.

"He has to stay back because he has work. Maybe some time later…maybe when you are grown up we will visit uncle Aaron again."

"Oh, okay." Yitao said, laying his head on Tao's shoulder.

"Yitao," The young panda hummed in response. "How is your dad?"

Yitao didn't respond, making the other repeat his question. Again, the young panda didn't respond, shaking his head, not wanting to answer.

"Are you mad at your dad Yitao?" A slow nod was made. "Why?" 'Wow, he hold grudges for a long time.'

"Because he didn't bring mommy home like he promised. Daddy lied to me."

"O-oh." Tao rubbed the young panda's back. "B-but since I am here…do you forgive daddy now?"

The young panda nodded. "Yeah…now I'm not mad anymore because now mommy is here." He gave a bright smile, making Tao chuckle a bit.

'He sure does hold grudges, but forgives easily.This is one contradicting little panda.'

Tao gave a peck on Yitao's cheek. "You should go back to bed Yitao…continue your nap"

"But I'm not sleepy." Yitao said, yawning a bit in the process. The Panda chuckled.

"You are contradicting you know that?"

"What does that mean? Con…tra…ing?"

"You sure do ask a lot of questions." He placed Yitao back in his bed, covering him up with his blanket. "I'll tell you later. Okay?"

"Hm…okay." Once Tao stood up, he headed to the door, giving the young panda one last look. "Mommy is going to be here right? When I wake up?"

Tao nodded. "Yes, I'll be here when you wake up." With that, Tao exited his room, closing the door behind him gently. 'Now, time to check up on Kris.' Tao made his way to his former Boss' room. He opened his door gently, but was surprised not to see him sleeping on his messy bed.

'Where is he?'

Tao closed the door and started to look around. He checked the bathroom, which he didn't see him inside. 'Did he go out?' Tao started to wander around in his room. He turned his head to the left and saw another set of doors. 'Oh, the studio?' He placed his hands on the door handles and pushed them open, quietly as possible. Once he could see the inside, he saw his former Boss, leaning over his table, arms tucked with head down resting on his arms. Soft snores where heard and Tao couldn't help, but feel sorry for the Dragon. He looked over to the side where the racks of clothing were. There on the racks, presented 12 greatly executed designs, all black and white.

'I wonder why there are no colors…maybe it is a black and white thing?'

Tao made his way over to the sleeping Kris. He softly chuckled when he noticed that Kris was starting to develop some facial hair stubbles. 'Busy to even shave?' He started to blush a bit at the thought of his former Boss having facial hair.

His thoughts were interrupted when he heard Kris coughing a bit. Tao looked around and found a small blanket at the end of the table. Once he grabbed it, he draped it over the Dragon's shoulder, hopefully to keep him warm.

Kris stirred a bit and slowly lifted his head. Tao froze, fearing that he has woken him up. He stood still, watching Kris sway his head back and forth. The Dragon slowly turned his head, now facing Tao, squinting his eyes a bit.

"Tao?"

The Panda didn't respond, but waited what the other would do. Kris didn't do much, but lay his head back down and started to sleep again. Tao let out a breath and adjusted the blanket on Kris' shoulders.

'He must be exhausted.'

He took a step back and headed quickly out the studio. He gently closed the door and made his way to his bedroom doors, exiting in the process. Tao started to head back down to his room, wanting to rest up a bit.

Once he reached his room, he flopped on his bed and rolled over so that his back made contact with the bed. He stared a bit at the ceiling, thinking about how his Boss would react when he will see him.

'Hm…he said that he loves me.' Tao tapped his cheek. 'Boss, if you love me…then prove it.'

--- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) ---

Kris rushed out of the mansion with Chanyeol and Chen at tow, who were carrying the clothes that were gently and carefully folded and placed in a purple, plastic storage box.

"Chen, the box for the shoes --"

"Xiumin's got it."

"Okay, thanks." Kris said, while he rubbed his eye. He was still sleepy, but what he couldn't shake the feeling is that he felt someone was watching he sleep.

"You okay?" Chanyeol asked, placing a hand on his Boss' shoulder.

"Ah, yeah. Um, I just had the strangest dream."

"About?"

"Tao."

"Oh really?" Chanyeol's expression became interested.

"Yeah…felt like he was there…but," He shrugged. "It was just a dream you know."

"Hm." Chanyeol looked over his shoulder and excused himself to help out Chen.

'It felt so real.' Kris rubbed his chin with his left hand. 'I wonder how Tao is doing though.'

"Gross, Boss." Kris turned to face Xiumin, who gave a grossed out look. "Why didn't you shave?" He pointed at Kris' face where he was displaying his facial hair stubbles.

"I didn't have time." He chuckled. "When I get back. I promise."

"That is what you said…weeks ago." Xiumin rolled his eyes. "At least make sure that it looks good…or whatever." He turned to Chen, who was now beside him. "Do guys groom their facial hair? I mean, I never had one." He started to rub his hairless face with his hands.

"I don't know. I never really grew one. Besides," Chen touched his jawline. "I don't think I would look good in one anyway."

Kris checked his watch and it was time to get going soon. "Guys, I have to go soon. Chanyeol."

The chauffeur jogged his way with the rest of the boxes. "Yeah I'm here. Let's go."

The Dragon nodded and informed the two to keep watch of the house and Yitao. He sighed a bit; he wanted to say goodbye, but he figured that the other was still angry at him and still sleeping. "Oh, and tell Sehun that I already left. He must be tired."

"Will do Boss. Just go already." Chen tried to shoo away the other jokingly.

"Good luck on the fashion showcase." Xiumin smiled.

Kris nodded and entered the car; Chanyeol closed the trunk of the car and made his way to the driver seat. He waved at the two and started the car. As the car backed up, they drove off to the airport. 

"After this, Boss will be able to sleep peacefully…or so I hope." Xiumin sighed.

"Yeah, me too."

Both Xiumin and Chen jumped when they heard a familiar voice. They turned around, only to be shocked to see Tao behind them, smiling like a child.

"Tao?!" They said in unison. Tao was about to respond, but both Xiumin and Chen lunged forward, and gave the Panda a tight hug.

"Tao! How…when…when did you get here?" Xiumin asked, releasing Tao from his hug.

"I came back just maybe an hour or so." Tao replied. "I asked Sehun to let me in."

"Does Yitao know that you are here?" Chen asked, in which Tao nodded.

"Yeah. I went to his room and he woke up. So, he knows."

"Did he say anything to you?"

"Hm." He nodded. "Yeah he did."

"Thank god." Xiumin patted his heart. "I was beginning to worry that he wasn't going to speak to any of us again." Tao patted the chef's back, assuring him that Yitao was speaking again. "Well, do you want something to eat?"

Tao beamed. "Yeah!"

--- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) ---

"Have a safe flight Boss." Chanyeol informed him as he handed the stewardess the Boxes. They were already standing in front of Kris' private plane, packing all the necessary things that he needed.

"Thanks. Oh, and good luck on the adoption papers." Kris smiled at the chauffeur. On their way to the airport, Chanyeol kept asking what it was like to be a father, making Kris raise his eyebrow in confusion. Thus, Chanyeol began to tell the other that he and Baekhyun would like to adopt a child; they already went through the process of signing papers and asked Xiumin and Chen to write recommendation letters, which they gladly did; they were now awaiting for a call that will get them approved.

"Thank you Boss." Chanyeol gave a smile. "Maybe when you get back…you will get to meet him or her."

"I would like to meet him...or her. For sure."

"Sir, time to go." The pilot said, sticking his head out from the private plane.

"Okay, Jongin." Kris turned back to Chanyeol. "I'll see you when I get back."

Chanyeol nodded and started to wave goodbye. Kris entered his private plane and sat in the luxurious seat. He sighed a bit and started to rub his eyes.

"Tired?" Jongin, his pilot, asked, in which Kris nodded. "Well, we have a long flight, but it is a perfect time to rest. Would you like Kyungsoo to make something for you?"

Kris nodded. "I'm not hungry." He coughed a bit, making the pilot approach him.

"You want some medicine?" He patted the other on the back, in which the Dragon shook his head.

"I'm okay. Lets just go."

Jongin nodded and started to head to his station. Kris leaned back in his seat and sighed. 'I should try and get some rest.' He slowly closed his eyes and started to drift off in a dreamland; more specifically, dreaming about a certain Panda.

--- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) ---

Baekhyun continued to tightly hug Tao; the other chuckled and continued to pat his best friend on the back.

"Baekhyun, I think Tao…got the point already." Xiumin pointed out.

It was the next day, getting close to 11 in the morning in Korea, Tao gave Baekhyun a call that he was back in Korea at his former Boss' mansion. Immediately, Baekhyun woke up Chanyeol to drive him and himself to Kris' place. By the time Baekhyun and Chanyeol reached the mansion, the shorter of the two, jumped out of the car and barged through the door, trying to find the Panda. He just missed his best friend and he made sure that Tao understood that he didn't want him to be going anywhere.

Chanyeol chuckled and brought Baekhyun back a little to give Tao some room to breath. "So, you came back yesterday?"

"Hm." Tao nodded. "Sehun let me in."

"Its good that you are back. We missed you dearly." Chanyeol spoke, while he patted Baekhyun on the back.

Tao chuckled a bit. "Thanks dad." He joked, making the other slightly blush.

"Speaking of that," Baekhyun said. "Chanyeol and I are going to adopt a child."

"Oh!" Tao clapped. "Congratulations!"

"Thank you." Baekhyun beamed. "Hm, I just hope that we get approved though. That is the most important thing."

"I'm sure you guys will get approved." Tao smiled at them both. "You guys have that parental figure feeling you know. You have the vibe."

They laughed a bit and continued to chat a bit before they heard foot steps. Tao and company turned their heads to see a sleepy Sehun and Yitao. They both rubbed their eyes in unison, making Tao chuckle.

"Like uncle, like nephew."

Tao stood up and approached Yitao, who extended out his hands, indicating the other to pick him up. Gladly, Tao picked up the young panda, snuggling up against him. Yitao giggled a bit and placed a kiss on Tao's cheek.

Baekhyun smiled at the two; he hoped that his child would be like that too. He just couldn't wait.

"You guys aren't leaving yet are you?" Chen asked, making Chanyeol and Baekhyun give confused expressions. "Its almost time for Boss' fashion showcase."

"Oh, Boss did that international package…television thing?" Sehun asked groggily, while he rubbed his left eye.

"Yeah," Chen picked up the remote. "He said that if we wanted to watch it, he set it up so we can watch the fashion showcase." He the television and just so happened that it was perfect timing. The host introduced himself and his co-host, and they were about to start the fashion show.

"Thank god for korean subtitles." Sehun said, laying his head back on the couch.

They sat for a bit and watch the first 4 designers to go.

"The second designer had good designs." Chanyeol said, shifting a bit in his seat. "I liked that dress with the bow on the back. Thought it worked well."

Sehun smirked a bit. "Aw, you wish Baekhyun was in it?" The other blushed and threw a pillow at his face. Sehun successfully dodged it, and in his victory, blew raspberries at the tall chauffeur.

"Shh." Xiumin said, while he pointed at the television. "Boss is going to be on."

Tao stopped playing with Yitao and looked up at the television; he slightly blushed when he saw Kris coming from the corner dressed in perfection. He came out with his hair slicked back a bit, facial hair stubbles still present, with a black double ed blazer and black dress pants and shoes; underneath was an alizarin crimson color dress shirt. For the final touch, a dragon pin was over where his heart is. Kris held onto the microphone that was in his right hand and slightly waving to the crowd with his left.

"Good evening everyone." He said in perfect English, making Tao lean in a bit to the television. Yitao, who was currently sitting on his 'mother's' lap looked up at Tao and copied what he did. "Ah, I would like to thank everyone for coming this evening to view the International Five's design creations here in the beautiful city of New York . My designs were inspired by, um, a person, as you can see," He gestured the projection that was on top of boarder of the runway stage, which displayed the letters: T.A.O. The employees, as well as Tao, were surprised at the name.

"That says Tao!" Baekhyun pointed at the television.

"He named it after you." Chen pointed out. "How sweet." He smiled at the Panda, who only gave a blush in return.

'He named it after me?' Tao thought, hugging Yitao tighter like a teddy bear.

"The letters T-A-O is a name, which is what I named my collection. Without further ado, lets start the show." He smiled at the audience and gave a slight bow before taking his seat.

Once the music started, the first model came out with a black front dress shirt with its sleeves white and the cuffs a charcoal color, and black slim-front pencil skirt with a cross strap high heel pumps. What made it even more interesting was particularly the make up and hairstyle chosen for the model. She had dark eye make up, not too heavy nor too subtle, but just enough to make the model look good and fierce; her hair was black, wavy and long, and on top of her hair was styled as round buns on either side of her head, so that it would resemble panda ears.

Immediately, the crowd was captivated by the model with her wear and as well as her make up and hairstyle; soon the second model came out with the same hair style and makeup. It was consistent throughout, even when male models were present, they were given panda ears clips to keep the consistency and the make up was much like the female models.

Claps were heard when the final design came out, which was a white ball gown with a corded lace bodice and tulle skirt. Tao's jaw dropped.

"Thats gorgeous!" Xiumin said as he scooted closer to the television.

"Boss really did well! I mean just look at that!" Sehun exclaimed. "I didn't even see that when I checked up on him!"

Once the model with the ball gown turned to exit the runway, the International Five came out and gave their last bows. The camera shifted and faced the two hosts for the fashion show.

"And that was an amazing performance from the ever famous International Five. Thank you for joining with us. My name is Daniel Guidotti." He gestured over to his co-host.

"And my name is Katerina Alcantara. We thank you from the city of New York. Good night everyone!"

The camera zoomed out from the two hosts and panned across the audience, who chatted among each other, taking pictures with the designers and their models.

"That was a good fashion show!" Baekhyun clapped his hands together. "I wish I was like your Boss. He works hard and his hard work pays off."

"Yeah, Boss Kris did so well." Xiumin added in. Chen grabbed the remote and changed the channel.

"Boss Kris also said that he will be interviewed by a talk show host." Chen told them. "It will be on in a few minutes though."

The rest of them chatted a bit before Chanyeol said that Kris is going to be up next to be interviewed. The talk show host introduced Kris and the audience began to clap for him.

"Oh, he didn't change his clothes." Sehun said as he moved from the couch to the floor, leaning his back against the couch.

"Maybe he didn't have time. Probably this show is live." Xiumin pointed out.

"Welcome! Welcome!" The talk show host shook hands with Kris and led him to comfortable seat beside his desk.

"Thank you for having me…again." Kris chuckled along with the talk show host.

"Its been 3 years huh? Since the last time you came on the show. I think we have a…can we show a still when Kris was here 3 years ago?"

The screen behind him showed a still of Kris and the talk show host from 3 years ago. The Dragon gave a hearty laugh when it showed a picture of him from long ago, which made Tao smile. He had black hair at the time, which was probably the only thing that changed.

"Man, you still look the same." The talk show host said. "My old." He whined, making the audience chuckle.

"Jeez, Simon, you aren't old. You still look the same as before."

Simon, the talk show host, chuckled and leaned over to give Kris a pat. "Ah, you are so nice. So, uh," He gave a chortle. "Anyway, as you guys might know…there was a fashion showcase just not to long ago." The audience clapped and nodded to what Simon said. "And it was the International Five right?" He asked Kris, who gave a simple nod.

"Yes, it was. Still at the same place um, featuring the same 'ol same 'ol…ah, Georgette Arlene Richard, Vivian Garrison, Emmanuel DeLaCruz, Vaughn Bishop, and…me." He said the last part cutely, making the audience and Simon chuckle at his action.

"And, you are the youngest right? Out of the all of them, you are the youngest. Wow…you are a baby."

"Hm." Kris nodded. "Yeah, Vivian is the oldest among us."

"I see. Yeah, I wasn't there, but I did watch on the television and I watch it all and I must say," He started to clap. "Wonderful job. All of you did well." The audience as well as Tao and company nodded in agreement.

"So, I'm sure the audience and myself are wondering about the…the name of your designs. It was interesting I must say. For those that didn't watch the fashion showcase, can you please tell them what it is."

"Yeah, sure. Its uh, T.A.O."

"Is it read as a person's name? Like Tao, or do you have to read it as individual letters, T.A.O?"

"Either one is fine." Kris answered.

"Is there any meaning behind the name given?"

"Um," Kris scratched his cheek with his index finger. "It does…I mean…I dedicated my designs to someone."

Tao held his breath and he tried to listen intently. 'M-me?'

"Oh really?" Simon said, being intrigued. "I'm guessing the person's name is Tao yeah?"

It took awhile for Kris to answer, but he slowly nodded. "Yeah. He, um, is really important to me."

"Oh, a guy?"

Kris looked at the audience, who were waiting for answer. Tao on the other hand, leaned back in the couch.

'They would probably hate him for caring for another guy.'

"Yeah. I named my designs after him. The letters represent traits of him and my designs."

"Care to elaborate?"

"What I mean is…well, 'T' is for thoughtful. The guy, um, Tao, he is really thoughtful. He really cares for others you know?" Simon nodded, understanding what Kris was saying. "Just like my designs, every seam, every little detail was put into thought. They weren't just placed there because I felt like it, I took some consideration."

"I see. We have a screen shot here," Simon gestured up at the screen that showed a slide show of Kris' designs. "And I do agree with you. That was for 'T'…what about 'A'?"

"Attractive."

Tao's cheeks redden; he pulled Yitao closer to him.

"Aww! He called you attractive!" Sehun pointed out, while he looked over his shoulder.

"Shh!" Tao hushed the gardener as he wanted to hear the explanation.

"Ah, attractive huh?" Simon started to say.

"He is." Kris shyly said.

"And I do see that your designs are very much attractive, like that black and white cocktail dress was really beautiful."

"Thank you."

"And lastly…'O'?"

"Original."

"Original?"

"Hm." Kris nodded. "Original. He…he is one of a kind." He bit his lip and smiled.

Simon smiled "And, your designs were really one of a kind tonight."

"Thank you."

"May I ask, why black and white. And the style you put the models in. It was quite interesting I might say."

"Black and white, because it is simple and classy. That is how I wanted it to look. That and the style I put the models in resemble pandas."

"Oh!" Simon nodded. "My god he is right everyone. Wow, I totally missed that. I should've known." He chuckled. "The hair looked like panda ears, dark eye makeup…black and white…yes, yes. I understand it now."

"Tao likes pandas. He mentioned it once to me before that they are his favorite."

"Because you told it to him when you were drunk." Chen mumbled, while Xiumin nudged his boyfriend to 'shh' him.

"I'm sure Tao is very please. And proud. We all are." Simon said.

"Thanks…but I'm not so sure."

Simon raised his eye brow at his good friend. "What do you mean?"

"Hm…we aren't really in good terms. In matter of fact, I think he hates me."

The audience gave 'awes'; Tao bit the inside of his cheek.

'He thinks that I hate him…but…'

"I'm sure he still cares for you." Simon said with comfort in his tone. "I mean, you dedicated a whole line for him."

Kris gave a weak smile. "Yeah, well…I messed up big time. If I were him, I wouldn't forgive me."

Audience felt bad for the Dragon; even Simon could see pain in his eyes. He knew that he would be going over his time slot, but he thought nothing of it. "Is he here with you right now?"

"N-no. Why?"

"I was just gunna say…you could apologize to him right here if you want."

Kris gave a weak laugh. "I doubt it Simon…he is in China."

"Wrong!" Sehun yelled at the television. "He is right here! Right here Boss!" He started to shake Tao, making the Panda push him back harshly.

"Shh Sehun! I can't hear what he is saying!" Tao said as he focused back to Kris. He placed the now tired young panda on the couch.

"If you could," Simon started. "What would you say to him."

"R-right now?" Simon nodded.

"Right now."

Kris looked directly at the camera, which made Tao think that he was looking straight at him.

"U-um," Kris cleared his throat, feeling nervous, but the audience encouraged him to say something. "C-can I say it in Chinese? He doesn't really understand English that well."

Simon nodded. "Of course. Whatever floats your dragon boat."

The Dragon smiled and looked back in the camera. Everyone knew that he was getting nervous; one of the audience members  encouraged him and said that it would be okay. Soon, the rest of the audience cheered for Kris to continue. Kris nodded and started to speak in Chinese.

"Ah, T-Tao…um, I just wanted to say that I'm sorry…for everything --"

"Tao, what is he say --"

"Sehun shh!! You're getting annoying!" Tao took a pillow and started to hit the other with it, making the rest of the company chuckle. The Panda threw the pillow at Sehun and told him for the last time to hush.

" -- that I have done. Really I am. Um, I…should say this to you face to face, but I --"

'Don't tell me he is going to -- '

"I love you very much." Kris said as he wiped his hands on his pant legs. 

'No way.' Tao's eyes widen.

"And, I hope that you are happy with Aaron. I know you will be." He gave a weak smile at the camera. "I was too slow. I have no one to blame, but myself."

Tao bit the inside of his cheek. Sehun and company kept looking back and forth trying to decipher what Kris was saying. Yitao on the other hand turned over on the couch; he had fallen a sleep at some point of during the interview.

"What is he saying?" Chanyeol whispered to Baekhyun. The shorter of the two shrugged.

"Most of my Chinese is gone." Baekhyun sighed in disappointment. "I can barely understand it."

Kris cleared his throat and exhaled slowly. "I know you love Aaron deeply, but I won't stop loving you." He gave a weak chuckle. "I love you too much." He looked back at Simon, showing that he was done speaking. His cheeks were slightly red after his little apology and confession.

"Even though I don't understand Chinese," Simon started to say. "I can feel that it you are sorry." He have a genuine smile. "I hope that he can forgive you. Right ladies and gentlemen?"

The audience gave Kris come encouragement and clapped for him.

"Thanks everyone. I hope so too." The Dragon said back in English; he smiled back at everyone, thanking them for their encouragement. "Oh, and if I may, can I make one more announcement?"

"Yeah, go for it." Simon gestured the camera.

"Um, I decided to open my own store. Four of them."

"Oh, really? Finally, the last member of the International Five is having his own store. As you may or may not know ladies and gentlemen, our Dragon king is...or was now, the only one who didn't open a store under his name. Mostly his clothes would be bought by buyers to have at their store. But, man, I'm proud of you. Are you going to name it after yourself? Or Dragons, like how you named your clothing line?"

Kris shook his head. "I'm going to name my stores...after my son."

The audience sent out 'awes'; Tao looked over at the young panda and smiled. 'He is going to name the stores after you baby.'

"That...is just too precious. Where will they be located?"

"Here in New York, Canada, South Korea, and China."

"Nice! Well, we are out of time, so we will end it here the International Five's youngest member, Kris. And with that, good night from the city of New York!"

The audience clapped once the outro music started and the camera started to pan out, and scan through the crowd.

"Tao," The Panda glanced over at Xiumin, who gave a questioning look. "What did Kris say when he was speaking in Chinese."

"H-huh?"

"Kris," Baekhyun said. "What did say? I couldn't figure it out… and I can't remember much."

"I…I can't remember."

"You can't remember?" Chen raised his eyebrow. "But he…" He shook his head. 'Okay, I just won't ask.'

"Okay…but…but how do you feel?" Chanyeol asked.

Tao's cheeks had a tinge of pink forming on his cheeks; slowly, he started to smile. "Well…I think that…I'm falling in love with him more."

--- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) --- (TAORIS) ---

comment if you like~

mistakes = TT _______ TT I'm sorry! - especially the time zone. I think I was over thinking it…so there might be some mistakes. or it could be completely wrong ^^; sorry about that.

This might be...jumbled up. feels like it is... ; 3 ;

airport guy = Liu Zi Qian aka Jeremy Liu