Chapter 25: Futur Era / 4.11&12 : Be all in or get out
When Eden stepped into the house, he stopped and felt his heart beating quicker. He used Versem to verify his house, then flew up the stairs. He opened the bedroom door and peered at Dorian, who was standing there. Eden walked to him, looking into his uneasy eyes. Quickly, Dorian’s uneasiness was taken over by astonishment. He turned his head, who had flown to the left because of the power of Eden’s slap, and looked at him astounded. Before he could understand what happened, Eden slapped him again harder, but this time his head flew to the right. Thank you for leaving me Gege if you hadn’t I would’ve never known. You broke your promise to never leave me so I shall break mine to always find you.
He was about to slap Dorian again, but he maintained his wrists and pushed him against the wall. Dorian peered into his enraged eyes thrown. If anything he should be angry, but he didn’t just sense rage from Eden. Despite that, he said:
"Eden settle down."
When he felt that Eden was relaxed, he let him go and took a step backward. He studied Eden and saw that he was zen, maybe overly zen? He understood why when Eden jumped him and he fell to the floor. Not only that, but he straddled him and continuously hit his chest.
He pulled him in a tight hug when Eden started to tear up. Eden tried to struggle free, but he held him tighter. He could feel the shift in his emotions until he stopped. He caressed his head and whispered:
"I’m sorry."
After a few minutes, Eden stood up and wiped his tears. Dorian stood up and waited until he was ready to face him. Eden turned around and asked:
"What are you sorry for?"
Dorian took a step closer and opened his mouth but nothing came out. He knows he shouldn’t have reacted the way he did, and he feels sorry, but he couldn’t help it.
Eden is the only person he ever fell in love with and he feels disgusted by him. His biggest fear came true. Even if he is sorry for that he feels like Eden is upset about something more.
Eden yelled incensed:
"I thought you were dead!"
Dorian looked at him stunned and his eyes flashed with guilt. He’s used to leaving for a few days without telling anybody but now that he has Eden it’s different. He just needed to getaway. When he was away he couldn’t stop thinking about what happened so he might as well stayed especially when Eden had been this upset. He never meant to hurt him like that, he finally understands why he was so angry. Dorian said:
"I’m sorry Eden, I... I don’t know what to say."
If he was in Eden’s place he would’ve lost it for sure.
He can’t be without him this is why he is here. If Eden feels disgusted by his body then he’ll fix it. His wounds were able to be removed but he decided to keep them to always remind himself that if he survived that ordeal he can survive anything.
"I needed time after that day. No matter what happened I can’t be without you and I’ll do anything for us to be together. When I was away I decided to have the scars removed."
Dorian took a step closer.
"I thought that I needed to have them to remind myself that I’m strong but all I need is you."
"What are you talking about?"
Dorian said:
"I was awake when you were looking at my chest."
Eden asked:
"So?"
Dorian felt frustrated that Eden wouldn’t admit but he still said softly:
"I saw the disgust in your eyes when you were looking at the scars. I’m used to it, it isn’t the first time that someone reacted the way you did. But you’re not like anyone else, you’re the person that I love."
Eden felt hurt and heartbroken at the same time. He is hurt that Dorian would think that he would feel disgusted and heartbroken that Dorian felt that way. Now he knows why he reacted the way he did and said that he doesn’t have to pretend. He met his eyes and said:
"I wasn’t disgusted by your chest. I was looking toward it but I was thinking about your disgusting uncle who did that to you."
Dorian looked into Eden’s eyes and knew that he was telling the truth. He felt worst and stayed silent. What can he even say? Not only did he misunderstand him but he disappeared and upset him.
"I don’t want you to get rid of them. Without those scars, you wouldn’t be the person you are today and I wouldn’t have fallen for you."
Dorian looked at Eden with shiny eyes. Eden could tell how hard he was trying not to cry. He took a step toward him and wiped a tear when it fell.
"Do you think I’m that shallow?"
Dorian immediately said:
"I don’t but when you compare me to the person you were with before it’s hard to feel confident."
Objectively speaking Ryker is handsome and he knows that between the two of them anyone would choose Ryker. Not because of his physical look but because of his personality and temperament. He knows his reputation out there is that of a tyrant and a beast. If Eden loved Ryker and was willing to marry him why would he want to be with him when they are opposite?
Eden felt regretful when he heard that. He is so used to Gege being confident and sure of himself that he didn’t even think of it when he knew that Dorian still had trauma. This whole thing happened because of it, he thought that Eden would feel disgusted by him. Why is it okay for him to feel insecure but, not Gege? Every time Eden felt that way Gege would prove to him that he could trust him. This time it was his time to prove to him that he loves him no matter what.
Eden caressed his cheek.
"When my father passed away I had this overwhelming fear to be alone and Ryker used it to make me fall for him but it wasn’t love. I felt grateful that someone was around even if I wasn’t myself."
Eden said his eyes full of affection:
"I only started to be myself when I met you. You’re the first and only person I’ve ever fallen in love with."
Dorian looked at Eden teary-eyed in silence.
Eden smiled affectionately when he saw how touched he was. He isn’t used to being the first to say how he feels but he knows that this is what Dorian needs right now. He wants to reassure him just like Gege would him. Dorian said:
"You’re the first and only person I’ve ever fallen in love with too. I want you to be yourself with me."
"I want you to be yourself with me too. Gege no matter what I’ll always love you, you never have to fear."
Eden felt like he’s been a fool. He was so hurt that he somehow convinced himself that he would be able to be okay without him. When Dorian was vulnerable and he told him that he didn’t feel confident he realized why he was okay when he thought he was dead. Gege always told him that he would never leave him and even if Dorian broke that promise and left he knew he would find him again in the next universe.
He only had a few more days before he would see him again. If he had to stay 200 years in this universe without him he would’ve lost it. It’s indeed harder on him because he remembers all their past lives together but it’s also hard on Gege. He knows that it isn’t easy to be with him because of his trust issues. But because Gege would always forget their previous life he felt like he wouldn’t have issues as he would but this time he did and instead of being there for him he was about to abandon him. Even if he was upset he always believed that he would always be there. He needs to stop being so scared. They’ve been together for more than 800 years and they have more time ahead.
Dorian felt like the calling Gege was familiar. That paired with his words he felt happier than he ever had. He hugged Eden tightly. Eden caressed his nape and said:
"I don’t want you to be scared anymore. I just want us to be happy and enjoy our time together."
He doesn’t plan to get reincarnated once he gets revenge so he should just go all in. He won’t worry anymore, he’ll have fun and enjoy life to the fullest.
Putting so many restrictions on his relationship and rules makes it harder. He should be more thoughtful too and not be scared to reciprocate everything that Gege has done and given him. Dorian pulled back and said:
"That’s what I want too. So I should just tell you everything."
Eden listened as Dorian said:
"I don’t know why but since we’ve met I had this fear that I might lose you. I can’t explain why. When I saw the look in your eyes I thought that it was that day."
Eden caressed his cheek. It isn’t the first time that Gege tells him that, they both have fears they are just different. To be fair in every life his fear was legitimate, it’s only now that he realized he had one foot in and one foot out of the relationship. He and Gege have this intense link so he felt it. But he won’t do it anymore and be all in. Eden kissed him tenderly and murmured:
"I’ll never leave you I swear."
He felt Dorian relax at those words. Dorian laced their hands and pulled him to the bed. He met his eyes and asked:
"Do you want to know what happened with my uncle?"
"I do if you want me to know. I want you to open up when you’re ready."
He knows now that he was wrong to basically tell Dorian that he wouldn’t be with him until he told him what happened. He shouldn’t be forced into opening up but do it when he is ready. Dorian felt happy hearing that, he leaned in kissing him. After a few seconds he said:
"I am now."
Eden smiled and tightened the hold he had on his hand.
Dorian looked at their laced hands then met his eyes.
"My parents passed away when I was 16. My uncle moved into the castle and ran Chen Tech. We were always close because he was only 6 years older than me. He told me that I should just enjoy life even when it’s time for me to take over the company but I refused. He supported my decision and a week before it was my 21st birthday I woke up in the donjon chained to the wall."
Dorian swallowed and said:
"He starved me for 3 days so I would sign over the company but I refused. He started the torture and left cuts on my chest, legs, and arms. At night he would leave me bleeding out and during the day the torture would continue. It was during the hunting season when I would always attend with my father. One of my father’s close friends noticed my absence and started to investigate. He unchained me and called the police. My uncle was arrested, I used connexion to let him out and have him chained in the donjon. I tortured him for months before I killed him."
Eden felt heartbroken, he pulled Dorian in his arms and caressed his nape.
"I’m so sorry."
Dorian held him tighter. Once Eden swore that he wouldn’t leave him he knew he meant it so he wasn’t scared about what he might think once he told him what happened. Eden pulled back and said:
"Just so you know you don’t have to keep things from me I’ll never judge you. How I feel about you will never change."
Dorian felt that he was dreaming. He thought that he would have to convince Eden after last time or change but he shouldn’t have doubted him.
"I’m sorry baby."
Eden asked:
"For what?"
"What happened and not trusting what you felt for me."
Eden can’t blame him for that since he was willing to pull the plug on him when he didn’t even know how Dorian felt. He learned his lesson and he’ll stop being afraid and be all in. He can’t let his fear take over or the one responsible for his misfortunes wins. A good thing came out of all of this and he won’t let it go.
"I don’t blame you."
Eden kissed him again and he asked with a slight blush:
"Do you love me?"
Dorian pulled him on his lap. Dorian answered with a smile.
"I do baby I love you. Do you?"
Eden wrapped his arms around his neck.
"I love you too my love."
Dorian’s eyes moistened and he kissed him.
Eden woke in Dorian’s arms. When Dorian caressed his head he smiled. After a while, he stood up and pulled him to the shower. After half an hour they came out and left for breakfast. Dorian was about to seat on Eden’s right but he pulled him and sat him at the head of the table. He sat on his lap and Dorian wrapped his arm around his waist. As they ate he asked:
"What do you plan on doing with the Zhus?"
Eden simply answered:
"Kill them."
When Eden saw the frown on Dorian’s face he narrowed his eyes.
He asked:
"What do you think I should do?"
Even if he has known Ryker since he was a kid, if Dorian thinks he shouldn’t die, Eden will let him live and kill Dorian instead.
"Killing them is too easy. They were planning to take your Qin Empire then kill you. They deserve to be tortured for months."
Eden smiled, he gave him a peck and said:
"Don’t worry I plan on torturing them before they die. Starting by taking what they care most about in the universe."
Dorian smiled satisfactorily.
Ryker was in his office typing on his computer. His tired eyes kept closing. He shook his head to wake up. He opened his drawer and pulled out a vitamin. He swallowed it then sighed, he can’t keep going like this. Ryker stood up and left for his father’s office. He entered without knocking and took a seat in front of him. Arman looked up from the disastrous number of the day and looked at his son. Ryker asked:
"What do you plan on doing with Eden when you’re done with him?"
"Kill him!"
Ryker frowned.
"Now that the whole planet knows that Eden ended the collaboration with Zhu Security everyone will know that we’re responsible for his death after he signs over Qin Empire."
Arman said in anger:
"I don’t give a damn if people believe we are now. That son of a bitch reduced a company that’s been in our family for generations into a fuckin joke. People believe that our system isn’t safe when Eden is the one who hacked all those companies. You realize why he chose those companies right?"
Ryker stayed silent. Of course, he knows why, by hacking their system not only did he take down Zhu Security but also the companies who helped them. They only did because Ryker signed a contract with them when he was the president of Qin Lab. They are big companies but they weren’t big enough to sign with Qin Lab so they were grateful and they signed with Zhu Security in exchange. Thanks to them and Qin Lab the whole planet used the Zhu Security system.
Ryker said:
"I know father but once Qin Empire becomes Zhu Empire we’ll change White Wolf into Zhu Security."
Arman said ruthlessly:
"I won’t rest until I watch Eden bleed out."
Ryker swallowed with difficulty.
"Father the finger will be pointed at us directly."
"I told you I don’t care. Even if they try to find evidence they won’t. We’ll be in charge of the most valuable resource in the galaxy no one will dare go against us."
Ryker insisted:
"He doesn’t need to die I’ll be able to contain him."
"Are you out of your mind? Eden needs to die! Don’t you think Idriss will try to find him?"
"I..."
Arman cut him and asked:
"Do you really think Dorian will ever consider you if Eden is still alive? You’ve seen how much he has brought to Chen Tech. The thing Dorian cares most about is business. I’ve sacrificed everything so you would have Qin Empire and you want to against me, especially after he destroyed Zhu Security?"
Ryker looked down in silence. He knows that his father has done everything for him to be in charge of the biggest company in the galaxy. He could have been the president of Qin Lab but he let him. He understands why he wants revenge, Zhu Security meant the world to his father. It’s been passed on from men to men for centuries. He knows that Zhu Security is done, they keep losing clients, and every day there are new terrible reviews while White Wolf is trending. In less than a month the only thing left of Zhu Security will be ashes.
Ryker looked up and he said:
"I don’t whatever you want me to do I will."
Arman looked into his eyes and when he saw that he meant what he said he relaxed. He needs Ryker on his side, everything he is doing is for him.
Eden walked out of the hovercar with a smile. He picked up his cellular before entering the house.
"Hey."
"Hey what are you doing?"
"I’m about to have a discussion with Ryker."
Dorian immediately sat up.
"Why?"
"I don’t know he called and told me that he was waiting for me at home."
"Does he have a key to your home?"
Eden smiled.
"He doesn’t I changed everything including the locks when I found out what he was up to. Security called me and I told them to let him in."
"Why do you even have to talk to him?"
Eden asked with a smile:
"Gege are you jealous?"
"Yes!"
Eden smiled brilliantly, he thought that Gege would deny but he didn’t.
"I’m jealous of everyone who lays eyes on you."
Dorian was surprised when Eden hang up just after he said that. Before he could call again he called him again on Visio. He picked up and looked at Eden who had a beautiful smile on his face. He asked again:
"Gege are you jealous?"
He answered the same:
"Yes, I’m jealous of everyone who lays eyes on you."
When he saw how happy Eden was to hear that he understood why he called and asked again. His green peach blossom eyes were shining and he had a blooming smile on his adorable face.
He unconsciously said:
"Baby I love you so much."
"I love you more Gege."
Dorian smiled.
"Come for dinner in 20 minutes he’ll be long gone by then."
Dorian reluctantly nodded. Eden chuckled, he said with a seductive smile:
"I let you do whatever you want to me I promise."
When Eden licked his lips Dorian’s eyes darken.
"Don’t forget your promise and he better be gone when I’m there."
Eden shook his head with a smile.
"He will be."
After hanging up Eden tried to stop smiling but he had a hard time. When he thinks about how he’s been feeling these past few days compared to now he feels like a different person. He never realized how selfish he was. It was a form of self-preservation after having the entire universe screw you over and over again. But Gege isn’t responsible, on the contrary, he’s the only one who has his back. At least now he is aware and he is all in.
When he entered the living room and saw Ryker his smile finally vanished. He took a seat in front of him and looked away.
"What can I do for you?"
Ryker swallowed with difficulty and after struggling he asked:
"Can we meet at the river of the forest a 4 during the last hunt?"
"Why?"
Ryker opened his mouth but nothing came out. He knows that his father needs him to be able to go through with the plan. He said he’ll have his back so he needs to do what he has to do.
He said:
"I know that you’re angry at me but I was hoping we could talk."
Eden met his eyes and he could tell that he was hesitant.
"Please I just need to tell you something."
After a while Eden said:
"Okay."
Even if the reason why he needs Eden there is to make him sign his Empire and kill him he’s happy that he accepted. It means that Eden still cares for him.
"You should go."
Ryker stood up to leave.
He walked out of the room and was surprised when Eden walked him out. He felt that he wasn’t as close off as he was before. When he reached the door he turned around and met his eyes. He felt his heart beating faster when Eden didn’t step back and he looked at him almost hopefully. He took a step closer and he became excited when Eden still didn’t step back. He pulled him in his arms, he smiled when Eden hugged him back. He let go of him not wanting to scare him and he said before leaving:
"I’ll see you on Saturday."
Eden nodded and closed the door. His eyes flashed maliciously and he left to burn the clothes he was wearing. I can’t wait for the hunt.
