Epilogue - End of Autumn

The morning, that day, was unusually cold. He blinked up at the sight of the ceiling, unused to the feelings that surrounded him. When his eyes focused, he noticed that he was not in his own room and that the ceiling above him was not at all familiar. Even though it was still a bit dark, it was clear that he wasn't in any place he knew of. Realizing that fact, he slowly looked around and tried to analyze the situation.

The first thing he noticed was the fact that he had no clothes on. That made him blush quite a bit as he felt an ache in his backside, something that related to last night. Turning his head slowly to the side as he felt heat surrounding him somewhat, the sight of a dear friend greeted him. Taeyang was there right beside him, bare as he was, and holding him securely in a warm embrace. Jiyong flushed as all the memories came back like a dam breaking into flood. His heart quickened but he didn't dare move, for fear of waking the older boy. For a few more moments, he lay there, just enjoying the arms wrapped around him, hearing faintly Taeyang's own heartbeat. He looked up to the ceiling and smiled, knowing for the first time that he was waking up with a happy mood. The thought made him look on with warmth back at his new lover and he began to think...

The question died down as he saw Taeyang shift, his face moving closer to Jiyong. The older boy smiled as he nuzzled Jiyong's face.

He watched Taeyang closely like he never did before. This was one of the few rare chances when he could just look at him in silence. Taeyang was very handsome.

Taeyang's eyes opened. He smiled.

And Jiyong, in response, decided that he liked that.

"You were watching me?" Taeyang asked lazily, his voice still drenched in sleep. His gaze was so warm, so happy, so contended with his life. Jiyong wondered what had changed since yesterday afternoon...

"Was I?" Jiyong couldn't help but smile back. He leaned closer to the older boy and gave a small smack on those lips. He was rewarded with a small amused chuckle and Taeyang's arms tightened their hold around him.

"You make me happy, Jiyong. Thank you."

"You too..." He couldn't help but say.

Taeyang smiled and kissed his forehead then his eyes then finally his lips. It was just a small almost chaste wake-up kiss. When he pulled back, he grinned and looked at their surroundings. "So what time is it?" He looked towards the wall where a digital clock was hung. It read: '5:39 am'. "Guess, it's time we go on home, huh? Are you going to cut class again?"

"I have to go to school..." Jiyong answered, leaning his head on Taeyang's shoulder.

"Can I cut class today?" Taeyang asked playfully.

"No."

"But you cut class yesterday!"

"I was preparing your dinner so don't complain."

"Hmph." Taeyang pouted playfully before figuring that perhaps it was now time to prepare themselves. Regrettably, he pulled away, standing up and pulling Jiyong up to do the same. The younger boy flushed and he just smirked, pulling him to a warm embrace.

Jiyong leaned his head on Taeyang's shoulder, unable to say anything as he felt their forms pressed together, heat against heat. Sighing as if in relief, he closed his eyes and smiled.

***

After preparing themselves and making themselves presentable again, Taeyang opened the door to their room slightly, wanting to peer at whoever would be around. He noticed that in the second floor, there were a lot of drunken partygoers laying on the plush carpet while on the first floor, people have scattered, most just talking among themselves. On the dance floor, there were just two couples and the music had toned down quite a bit. In this near breaking of dawn, thankfully, there were not a lot of people left. Taeyang looked back inside the room and saw Jiyong standing with his arms around himself. Obviously he was feeling a bit cold since he had no jacket on. Later on, Taeyang promised that he would have to do something about that.

Exiting the room, they walked beside each other in silence, Jiyong looking calm and Taeyang looking cheerful. At once though, there was again that annoying voice that disrupted them.

"Wow, finally you two are done." It was yet again the foreign owner of Siren, a big smile on his face.

Taeyang sighed in a rare moment of losing his patience. "Alright. You've been hanging around near us so just tell us what you want."

The man chuckled and just shook his head in amusement. "Well, I'm sorry for disrupting your little moments but I do have a purpose..."

"And that is?" Jiyong looked coldly at the man.

"As you know, I own this club. My past time includes photography though. Since you two have captured my attention very much, I'd like to offer you a deal."

"A deal?" Taeyang asked, raising a brow.

"I'd like you two to pose as models for my next book. I /will/ pay. In dollars too."

"Why us?" Taeyang looked on at the man in incomprehension, suddenly surprised at what the man was asking.

"You two are the hottest thing going on in Seoul. And you're both popular that I just have to capture you in film! First, I was only interested in Jiyong but since your pairing suddenly sprang out of nowhere, I've fallen for that too. So, if you please..." The man smiled genuinely, taking something from inside his coat pocket. It was a document of sorts. He handed it to Taeyang.

Taeyang looked at it in curiosity. It said that they would be paid a certain amount once they do their job as models. Amused at this new development, he looked on to his new lover. Jiyong however looked about ready to doze off, almost causing Taeyang to laugh out loud. The offer interested him greatly but he wasn't sure. He looked to the man and smiled honestly in gratitude. "Thanks for the offer. We'll call you when we decide."

"That's fine. Please do though. This is one rare opportunity you wouldn't want to miss."

Bowing in thanks, Taeyang pulled Jiyong's half-dozing form so that they could go on to the first floor and eventually leave the club. Passing the front door, he wrapped his arm on Jiyong's shoulder to both warm him from the cold morning as well as to show his affection. When he looked at Jiyong, the younger boy was awake and was looking at him in silent gratitude. They moved to the street afterwards and took a taxi. Taeyang instructed the driver to go to Jiyong's apartment.

Half-dozing in the seat at the back, Jiyong leaned his body on Taeyang, liking the fact that the older boy's arm was wrapped around him. Outside, it was still dark and cold.

They passed the bridge and then several streets. They passed several parks and buildings.

"Hey, Jiyong, maybe we should go play skateboard" Taeyang muttered, pointing at the said park. "That's near my place, you know..."

Jiyong could only lean more on Taeyang in response, not wanting to say anything. He was feeling mightily sleepy. In front of them, the driver was looking at them curiously but both of them didn't really mind. They passed a few more corners and finally the taxi stopped in front of Jiyong's building.

Taeyang paid for the fare and pulled Jiyong out of the taxi, leading the both of them inside the warm building. Still wrapping an arm around Jiyong, inside, there were amazed reactions by those who were awake. He noticed that lady at the counter looking on with a happy smile, obviously figuring their new relationship with just one look. The others were smiling, seeing the boy who resided in their building - for once - with a contended face. Smiling at them all warmly, Taeyang pulled Jiyong to the elevator, to his floor and finally to his front door. Since Jiyong still seemed a bit groggy, he fished Jiyong's keys from his pocket and opened the door for the both of them. They entered and was met by silence. Taeyang the light in the living room before going over to the sliding door that lead to the balcony. He slid open that door to the side and lead them both out to the darkness.

Jiyong let Taeyang lead him, trusting him enough. When he felt suddenly cold again despite the fact that they had entered his building, his eyes snapped open. He was now leaning against the railing of his balcony, a dark city and day greeting his sight. Cold wind blew and ruffled his bangs and he shivered at the touch of it. Suddenly though, warmth engulfed him and he realized that Taeyang was now hugging him from behind. He couldn't help but smiling...

"And I suppose you now want me to see a simple sunrise?"

"You're learning quick, Jiyong..." Taeyang whispered, smiling as he nuzzled his lover's neck. He breathed in the wine-scent stuck on his partner. "Now, tell me why I'm doing that..."

"A cycle of sorts..." Jiyong mused aloud, looking on as the sky was slowly changing in colours. "The continuity of evolution and life. As the sun sets, then it will rise again. Like everything and everyone always involved in a cycle that never ends."

Taeyang didn't say anything as up high in the mountains, the sun was indeed rising, peeking first with small filtering light then rising up with full blasts of sunshine. It looked golden and beautiful and he had never been more happy in his life...

"Let's see each other again later on, is that alright with you?" he had to ask.

"At that park you pointed to earlier on?" Jiyong asked, leaning back and enjoying the warmth.

"Yup..." Taeyang nodded. "That is, if we're both going to school this morning."

"Of course I'm going to school..."

"We'll see each other later on again."

"You're right." Taeyang grinned. "But anyway, in school, won't you be bothered by the numerous gossips about us?"

"It's okay. It doesn't matter anyway..." Jiyong said in near silence.

"Jiyong..." Taeyang whispered, pulling closer the other boy as if the distance that separated them was never enough. "You know that I love you, right?"

Jiyong stiffened, not able to say anything to that.

But Taeyang understood and he only smiled. "I mean, as a friend, or whatever... It doesn't matter..."

"Bae, I..."

"Shh..." Taeyang just said, pulling the closer, giving more warmth. He said it to keep their silence as in front of them, the sun was waking to bathe the earth once again.

Jiyong felt the corners of his lips lifting and he just leaned on backwards to his lover, wishing this could last forever. The heat, the warmth and the feelings he felt inside - it was as if nothing else could compare to it. And for a few more moments, they stayed that way, two souls that have found each other.

***

He sat alone in the park. Leaning back, he admired silently the nearly barren chocolate brown trees up above him. A wind blew forth suddenly and most of the remaining orange leaves tumbled about. The wind carried it sideways before it fell in a shower towards the ground. The figure who sat at the bench pulled his coat tighter to himself as he waited patiently for his lover.

Two months had passed. He was now waiting for him near the court where they often play. Today, after practice for him was over, his older lover had promised that they would meet here. So, dressed in a suit and wrapped in a trench coat, he waited silently, thinking his thoughts in private while he did.

Two months... After that night in Siren, he'd gone back to YG as usual. True enough, what greeted him were endless questions and curious glances. trainee took a moment in their time to talk about him and Taeyang - it was at the top of the news. He didn't care. His freinds had been mostly supportive since they've noticed that his relationship with Taeyang had actually improved his personality. They teased and asked such embarrassing questions! But through all that, he learned that their joy for him wasn't really all that bad. Inside, it actually made him realize that they cared enough to feel something for him. He actually felt relieved. Anyway, after YG, they'd met here in this park. thankfully enough, they have avoided annoying busybodies who pried on them. It was also where they learned that this was the place where TOP and Daesung used to date.

Jiyong smiled slightly before pausing, realizing the expression on his face. Yes... He was happy. He didn't regret anything so far with his risk of breaking his bonds and finding a relationship with Taeyang. It was all so good so far...

And now, it had come to this.

"Hey! Have you waited long?" There were hurried steps towards the bench and Jiyong looked to the side, seeing the familiar sight of his lover.

One week now... One week since they've last seen each other. Taeyang and Yuri had gone on to Tokyo for one week since his father was getting married to Yuri's Mother who was his co-worker. This was the first time they would see each other again after one week of absence from each other - the longest they've been apart since they became a couple. In that one week, Jiyong had never missed anyone so much as he missed Taeyang.

Taeyang paused from his jog and stood just a few feet away from his partner. Wearing a dark suit, a brownish toned tie and a white buttoned shirt underneath, he was covered in a heavy black trench coat that warmed him for the late autumn afternoon. His hair was unspiked - brought about by Jiyong's comments that he looked so good without the usual spike. He looked tall and so calm, his expression so relaxed and carefree - more so than ever. He was smiling, looking on in warmth at his younger lover.

Standing up, Jiyong stood slowly, dressed too in his own formal attire. He was wearing a grey suit and a black buttoned shirt. Draped over that was a black trench coat of his own. He had his cross pendant on and his hair was smoothed back slightly, partly away from his eyes. His hair was now long enough to fall to his chin. He too smiled before slowly walking to his older partner.

The two beings walked calmly towards each other before slowly wrapping their arms around each other, the world forgotten in their warmth and their reunion. And for a long moment, they stayed that way.

Later on, there would be a family dinner at Taeyang's home and Jiyong was invited with the insistence of Taeyang's new family, his father, his step mother , Yuri and of course her girlfriend Jessica. There would be a 'thanksgiving meal'. It would be a dinner of a special nature as that certain woman was introduced to living on with them in their home and their family. Jiyong felt both nervous and special when he too had been invited.

"Did you miss me, Jiyong?" Taeyang breathed in the scent of his lover, missing the boy so much. They'd called each other everyday but that never seemed enough even with the thought that they would only be apart for one week.

"I did..." Jiyong smiled, leaning his head in comfort on the other. "Did you?"

"Of course, Jiyong." Taeyang whispered. "Of course."

Hearing that, Jiyong gently broke away from the comfort, just to smile at his lover. He saw a reflection of his expression on Taeyang's face. Taeyang smiled at him and wrapped an arm around him as they began their walk towards Taeyang's home.

"By the way, this came through the mail earlier on. I'm glad that my dad didn't open it." Taeyang grinned, taking out a book from a pocket in his coat. It was black in colour and in front of it, the word 'Autumn' was inscribed. He flipped it slowly and showed it to Jiyong while they walked on silently through the park.

It was their photos, done by Siren owner Mr. Blair. It was a project they've been a part of during the past month. On the book's pages...

On the first page, the picture was taken at night-time. Jiyong wore tight leather pants, a black buttoned shirt that's ed in upper two and bottom three, a long coat, and leather black boots. On his fingers were silver rings and on his neck was a silver chain. His ebony hair and the long coat he wore were billowing in the wind as he stood on top of a building, overlooking the city towers. He seemed to be looking on at something with sadness. The picture was titled as: CITY LIGHTS.

The next page was with Jiyong wearing a dark grey suit and black shirt, sitting on steps towards a business building. He had on his white gold chain with cross pendant. He was looking at cross pendant with longing. That picture was titled as: CROSS

Third page was where Jiyong wore hip hugging black suede pants, tight black tank top and a heavy trench coat. He was looking up high at the heavens with the backdrop of a water fountain with angel statues while doves were flying into the sky. It was called: FALLEN

Fourth page was Jiyong again. He was wearing a white tank top and dark khaki pants on a gloomy day and was looking at the camera with cold sadness. Behind him was the sea, the waves crashing onto the rocks and splashing towards him while sea gulls flew all around him. SEASIDE SADNESS

The fifth page was amusing somewhat as Jiyong was holding a black cat on his chest as he wore only black jeans. BLACK

The sixth page was Jiyong again. He was standing with dark khaki slacks, a dark grey sweater and a black leather jacket. Closed eyed in a harbour as the sun sets behind him and the breeze ruffled his hair. As if he's waiting for someone or is musing on something from the past. MEMORIES

Flipping the pages towards the near end, Jiyong wanted to see something other than himself...

The picture was of Taeyang and Jiyong sitting along the rocks on the beach on a dark afternoon while the waves splashed around them. Taeyang was in grey pants and white shirt and Jiyong in blue grey pants and a grey tank top. FRIENDSHIP

The next one was with both of them sitting against an autumn tree, beyond orange leaves and chocolate trunk of tree and branches, Taeyang and Jiyong sitting together, shoulders touching. Taeyang with a small smile, Jiyong cold as always but with a hint of contentment. Taeyang in black slacks and a dark grey buttoned shirt, Jiyong in light brown cargo pants, a white tank top and a dark blue open buttoned shirt. CLOSE

The next was along the train station, walking side by side, Taeyang and Jiyong both in a black suit. Taeyang laughing at something while Jiyong serious but with faint happiness. Taeyang with a black shirt and a golden pin, golden cuffs and a golden chain on his neck. Jiyong wearing a dark wine red shirt, platinum rings and his cross pendant and chain. DATE

Underneath an umbrella, looking up at the rain and the autumn leaves in a tree. Both have wistful expressions. Taeyang in dark grayish khaki pants, a dark blue sweater and a black jacket. Jiyong in a thermal green sweater with three buttons on the top - first two ed, jeans and a black jacket. Both in brown leather shoes. NOCTURNE

Jiyong sitting while Taeyang standing, both drinking their own glasses of scotch in Siren bar. Taeyang in a tight black tank top that shows off his body, leather pants and his silver buckled boots. Jiyong in leather pants, see-through buttoned black shirt that has the top two and bottom three buttons opened to expose his navel, and silver buckled boots of his own. NIGHT LIFE

Jiyong sitting with his hands in hand cuffs while Taeyang stood behind him, holding his wrists with possessive intention. Jiyong in a black tank top and black pants while Taeyang in tight black shirt and pants. POSSESSION

Jiyong and Taeyang wearing the same black suit, white shirt and red ties while necking. On a garden. ROMANCE

Both wearing khaki pants and white shirts, walking down a green hill together. LOVE

That was the last page and the book closed, its dark cover shielding anymore scenes of themselves. Jiyong looked up and smiled at Taeyang. Taeyang, who was partly keeping his attention on the road, looked on back at his lover and returned the smile.

"Mr. Blair is a very good photographer." Jiyong commented, recalling those sessions when the foreign man urged them to do certain things. They had enjoyed those times - both of them - and now it had paid off in the price of a book dedicated solely to them. Undoubtedly, the book would be sold soon and their gained fans would go screaming at the sight of their photos full of hints. Shounen ai, , whatever...

"You're right. And I thought at first that he was an annoying and weird man..." Taeyang mussed aloud, leaning his head on Jiyong's. They had already left the park long ago and now, they were on the road by the sea that led to his home. A great feast awaited them with delicious  dishes made by Yuri and her mother. he couldn't be happier that all his family was present - Jiyong being the most special of them all. They walked on a few more steps before his neighbourhood appeared and his house came into view. But then, suddenly, just before his house, Jiyong paused. Taeyang looked down and saw that the boy was looking up at one maple tree. He looked too and noticed that it was now almost bare, save for some hard-headed orange leaves that still refused to fall. Taeyang smiled.

The changing of times...

Now, autumn was near its end as winter would soon take over. A simple occurrence in life but having its own special meaning to many different creatures of this world. To the both of them, it too had its meaning.

Slowly looking down, he noticed that this time around as he watched something beautiful, Jiyong was watching him. Just like in the past...

He'd never seen anyone look at him with so much love and trust. And wanting to show his own affection, he leaned down, initiating their first kiss since their calm reunion. He pressed their lips together, his hand tilting Jiyong's head so that they would meet in a perfect posture. Lips locking and massaging against each other before both lips parted and their tongues danced skilfully against each other. They explored each other with hunger, tasted each other as if in thirst.

When they pulled away, they looked each other in the eye, foreheads leaning against each other. Knowing that they were in a hazardous place though, they parted regrettably, Taeyang pulling his lover to the house in front of them - his family's house. As he did though, Jiyong paused, making him look back in surprise. Jiyong was smiling genuinely at him, for him - and only him.

"I love you, Bae..."

And no hesitation as he responded to his lover...

"I too, Ji..."

The door opened and Yuri's mother greeted them both before letting them in, muttering something about the cold and dinner and how good the two of them looked in their formal wear. Entering the home, they were greeted by Yuri and Jessica preparing the dishes while hugging and kissing.. Taeyang felt completed, having a happy family and what more importantly is having Jiyong.

Taeyang looked at Jiyong and smiled while hugging him. The door closed

And outside, the wind blew once more with its icy temperature and the last of the orange leaves finally conceded to the request of the changing of times as they too fluttered to the ground.

That was the end of Autumn.

*fin*

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Sorry guys for the late post, yes finally I finished Siren fic!

thanks for all your support. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much I enjoyed writing it ^__~