Chapter Text
*four weeks earlier*
"so what do you think?" Cage asked, staring at Cale who took a long drink of his wine.
"This bet is unfair on my side. If you win, I will perform at a bar for two weeks straight under a false identity you've made for me. And if I win" he licked his lips, setting his glass down "you haven't even told me my reward."
"What do you want?"
Cale leaned back, debating. He could always use more money, but Cage had a connection that he could use. "i want you to keep the god of death off my back for a month. i dont give a fuck if the world is ending, if i hear or see that bastered again i will personally see to it that he is wiped from existance."
"ooo, that would be so entertaining though" Cage smiled thinking about the bastard's face as she tells him that, it would contort in all sorts of wonderful ways, some mixture of fear disappointment and depression
"you could also just hand off that golden plaque that miss Tasha gave you" Cage nearly spit her wine out. She had been given that as a gift from Tasha for helping Mary and the dark elves perform a funeral for a village elder who requested a priest of death be there. It was a complete secret that not even Taylor knew about. She wasn't sure what she was going to do with it but Tasha had insisted she take it.
"how did you-"
"My poor hyung-nim was distraught about his beloved Aunt handing out such a valuable gift without his permission." he swirled his wine as a smile creeped up onto his face. He loved it when Alberu accidentally gave him information like this. It always proved useful to listen to his Hyungs whining.
"You sneaky bastered" she smiled, raising her glass in a cheer to his tactics. "how about this, either way ill give you the golden plaque. but only if you win will i keep the god of death off your back"
Cale smiled a signature smile that everyone close to him had gotten used to, but it never failed to send shivers down her spine.
"now that the field is evened, ill place my bet" a strand of his long red hair fell from his ponytail landing in front of his face as he leaned to poor himself another glass. he was pretty confident in his opinion on the matter even if his heart hoped otherwise his brain said this was the right choice. he raised his freshly filled wine glass and Cage mimicked his motion
"I do NOT think Taylor stan is in love with me."
***
present day.
Cale took off his various accessories backstage. Still disguised just in case but no longer acting the part of a "flirty performer who thrives off attention" as Cage had called Eros.
This was the second time he'd seen his family in the crowd, a large knot formed in his stomach every time he spotted them. The dread of them figuring out it was him grew quickly. 'Ugh I knew this was a bad idea' he stared at himself only then realizing there was someone behind him.
"a gold for your thought" Taylor asked in a far too sweet voice. Ever since he found out about Taylor's feelings the blond man had started properly courting Cale, in private. No one other than Cage and his children knew about this yet. (he was finding it very hard to lie to them ever since Ron started teaching Ohn and Hong)
"You don't need to spend anything to get my thoughts, that's ridiculous. If you want to give me money just give it to me" He relaxed. making eye contact with Taylor through the mirror.
Taylors hands landed around his waist pulling him into a back hug and nestling his head onto Cale's shoulder.
Cale was indulging in the moment when Taylor whispered "there are three people in the doorway." His eyes were locked onto the reflection of three hooded figures peeking into the room, but his tone was soft as if whispering sweet nothings into Cale's ear.
"I appreciate it, you're far too kind," Cale kissed the side of Taylor's head. Acknowledging that he heard but responding in a similar tone.
Taylor smiled, returning Cale's kiss with a smattering of feather light kisses across his face, carefully avoiding his lips as Cale had stated he was not comfortable with that yet.
Cale giggled spinning to properly face Taylor only to be met with more kisses. Now back in character he started giggling "Taylor! that tickles!" He continued trying to push Taylor's face away but it only resulted in longer pauses between kisses.
"But I still have so many kisses to give you," Taylor said, pulling Cale even closer so there wasn't enough space to push him away easily. Despite Cale being in character he did enjoy the dusting of kisses and didn't hide the genuine smile it was bringing out, which practically made Taylor beam.
"Are we interrupting something?" Rosalyn, Cale clocked the voice immediately turning just enough to see her but not leaving his embrace with Taylor. "dont go far" he whispered.
Taylor nodded, letting go and stepping in front of Cale "why are you backstage?"