[Fic] Relay (Sequel to Rundown)

[coley_merrin]

Title: Relay
Author: Coley Merrin
Pairing: Zhou Mi/Kyuhyun
Genre: AU
Rating: R

Summary: Sequel to Rundown. Kyuhyun's new career is just getting started, and his family, new and old, make those milestones an experience.

***

I really couldn't leave this one alone... Don't be scared by the mention of baseball. This is as much a fic about baseball as a Baby Ruth candy bar is about babies.

***



***

Miyun squealed all the way across the infield, the sound so long and impressive Zhou Mi wondered how it was that she was still breathing.  It wasn't hard to keep up with her four year-old scamper, that was for sure, but he hung back just to let her think she was winning.

"Roll!" he roared, and laughed as she dropped onto the ground and rolled, her slightly too-big jersey with "CHO" written big across the back flopping around her. He got the ground a little more slowly, rolling around, to her delight.  At least, until they both stopped, gasping for air.  She cuddled to his side, and he resisted the urge to pet her hair.  She was the cutest child he'd ever seen, and he didn't think that was just because she looked so much like Kyuhyun, or that he loved her more than life.  With her dark eyes and disarming smile, she had more charm even than Kyuhyun, and he hadn't hesitated to point that out.  Kyuhyun had only sulked a little before agreeing without reserve.  She was Kyuhyun's pride and joy, there was no doubt about that.  He knew it, when occasionally he had to be the voice of reason, Kyuhyun starting to cave to requests the second her chin started to quiver.  He loved them both that much more for it.

"Who died and made you first base?" he heard, opening his lazy eyes to see Kyuhyun peering down at them.

"I thought you did," he answered, smiling.

"Daddy!" Miyun squealed.  Zhou Mi touched Kyuhyun's ankle, drawing back a little as Kyuhyun sat.  Miyun connected with her father, mostly by flopping across Zhou Mi's chest.  He coughed as all the air left him for a moment, as Kyuhyun squeezed her.  For a moment, they were all connected again.  Family.  The little girl with her hair gleaming in the light, and Kyuhyun, so carefully dressed and styled.  And him, in his workout clothes.  Father and daughter, and him, the man they had taken into their hearts.  He had not ever forgotten that.

Kyuhyun pressed soft kisses to the fingers of the hand that Zhou Mi had rested on Kyuhyun's lifted knee.

They could just stay like that, all of them together.  For a little while longer, at least. The game, batting practice, wouldn't start for a while.  Kyuhyun sighed, letting his eyes close as they sat together.  He knew Kyuhyun was tired, wasn't sleeping well. Could see it in the shadows under his eyes.  Miyun was oblivious to it, wriggling against both of them as she combed the grass hoping to find bugs.

"Kui Xian?" he whispered, brushing Kyuhyun's chin with his fingertips, the little dimple beneath those lips that he loved.

In return he got a smile.

***

Kyuhyun hummed under his breath, a song for his first album. He had been in the studio for what seemed decades, perfecting the songs. He’d found a perfectionist in himself that he hadn’t expected. Maybe because it was something that meant so much to him. Maybe he only had one shot. But it was going to be the best damn shot he ever took. Because it was singing, in the end, that was the root of it. And it was corny beyond believe, but there were times he closed his eyes in the booth and thought of Zhou Mi. There’d been plenty of times singing at Blue Midnight, when he’d done that, too. As long as he, unlike Zhou Mi who would sometimes sing with him around the house, didn’t forget the words. Those times in the studio were hours that Miyun spent with her nanny, or with Zhou Mi. Though he had heard neither Zhou Mi nor Miyun complain about those times. She always came back from the baseball park with some story, and trinket. He’d known Zhou Mi a year and a half, had been sleeping with him almost all of that, and living with him three quarters of it. And he trusted Zhou Mi with Miyun even more than he did his own father.

He at least knew Zhou Mi had Miyun’s safety and happiness at the forefront. He still didn’t know what his father thought.

He tuned back into the meeting he’d been called in for. Marketing for the upcoming release, going over press releases and questions. He had been rigorously tested with questions, to make sure he wouldn’t crack and undo all their hard work. The goal was for Kyuhyun to be himself, but not say anything so incredibly stupid that it would bring public opinion on everyone’s head. Celebrities were often good looking or talented, but by the way he saw how he was conditioned, they obviously didn’t all start out smart.

"Is it true that you're sleeping with Zhou Mi, one of the country's top baseball players?"

"I..." There was a fight to keep his smile the same. "Are people really going to ask me that?"

The marketing lead raised an eyebrow at him. “Do you think people won't? Do you think you can hide the fact that you've been living with him for the last year?"

"No, and I never intended to."

"Then you need to be ready for the questions."

It sounded too much like judgement. "You knew when you signed me that I was living with Zhou Mi."

"I did. I think you can sell albums. How many is up to you. You want to appeal to people? I'd suggest setting up house by yourself. You’ll get a lot more dreaming women that way.”

“I can’t just waltz out of a relationship. The women are going to have to like me as I am. Should I get rid of my daughter, too?”

“No, early reactions indicate that opinions are favorable to that. It casts you in a strong light, someone mothers and daughters can bond over. But it wouldn’t hurt if you just considered possibly living with just your daughter for a few months. Just while promotions are being held. Don’t answer me now, just think about it.”

He didn’t even have to think about it. He’d written the liner notes that would be his thanks in his album already. The first person he mentioned, Miyun. The last? Zhou Mi. Not because that was the order of importance, but because they were the bookends of his life. Miyun, his anchor, and Zhou Mi, his sail.

He winced in his own head. Zhou Mi was rubbing off on him. But they did tell him how to respond to questions about Zhou Mi living with him. Because even if he took their poor “advice” and moved Zhou Mi out, it was still common knowledge that Zhou Mi had been living there.

And though he told himself that he wouldn’t let the suggestion affect him.

Well. He tried.

***

It took four days. Four days of having random arguments in his head, shouting down why it was stupid and wrong to imagine forcing Zhou Mi to leave. And then he’d shove it back down. And continue on. But it made sleeping nearly impossible. He had to take to laying on his side of the bed totally still, or risk waking Zhou Mi. Zhou Mi could sleep through the end of the world, but he seemed to have a Kyuhyun-radar for too much movement. It just left him exhausted and tense when he got up, showering while Zhou Mi did his morning run on the treadmill, and trying to appear human by the time they were eating breakfast. The stupid thing was, he knew he should’ve just told Zhou Mi that day. When Zhou Mi had asked how his day had gone, he could’ve just said, “Oh, fine. They want you to move out for three months, what a stupid thing is that? Now we can forget it.”

And Zhou Mi, as interested as he was in Kyuhyun’s life and wellbeing, didn’t notice something was off right away. Hence the four days. That or he’d gotten pretty good at pretending to Zhou Mi’s face. He’d done his best being cheerful with Miyun, playing with her and cuddling her during her shows. And it hadn’t been feigning tiredness, when he’d shaken off Zhou Mi’s advances in the shower.

He wondered if he’d finally be able to sleep, his brain aching, when he finally crawled into bed. He half expected Zhou Mi to already be asleep, but his bedside light was on, and Zhou Mi turned toward his side of the bed.

“What’s eating at you?” Zhou Mi wanted to know.

“What do you mean?” he asked, once he got his heart out of his throat. It wasn’t like Zhou Mi could magically see what was going on in his head.

“You’re looking more tired in the morning, and I don’t think I’m keeping you up without knowing it. Is something wrong with the album?”

He almost smiled, which was a stupid, illogical response. It wasn’t like they were just roommates. All he had to do was look at that face, concerned and searching him. Wondering why Kyuhyun wasn’t telling him what was bothering him.

“It’s stupid,” he said bluntly. And summarized the conversation he’d had with the producers and marketers. Three months apart for his career? Not if they didn’t have to. “But it’s not an ultimatum, and I actually can’t even believe they asked me.”

Zhou Mi’s breathing was so shallow. “If it’s been eating you for days, and you wouldn’t tell me, are you thinking it’s a good idea? That I should move out for a while?”

"Fuck, no," Kyuhyun said, spitting out the words. "Fuck no. When you broke up with me, after I got through being pissed at you, do you know how fucking miserable I was? And if it wasn't me feeling bad, it was Miyun asking for you. What the hell would we tell her? Oh, Zhou Mimi still loves you, but he's going to live somewhere else now?"

Zhou Mi sat up further. “You think I was happy? You know better than that, Kyuhyun. Of course I don't want that."

"Then why the hell are we discussing it? It's different when you go away with the team, because it's your job, and you love it. It's easier for both of us to understand."

"So I get to do what I love, but me being here is keeping you from doing what you love?"

"A billion albums isn't worth compromising what we have. Open your eyes!" He all but roared in frustration, throwing back the covers to sit on the edge of the bed. "This is why I didn't bring it up right away. I knew you'd be like this. I don't even want to think about it.”

"Kyuhyun, you know- I just don’t get why you didn’t tell me. It’s a terrible idea for us, even if it might possibly help your career. But if it’s so wrong, why did you let it eat at you?”

“I don’t know.” And he honestly didn’t know. Stupidity. Not wanting to lay guilt on Zhou Mi’s shoulders, even if it was imaginary. “But your word. Possibly. There’d never be any guarantee. I didn’t want you to think it was even an option. Hang on for two seconds."

He all but tore the drawer from his bedside table, upending it, pushing through all the crap he kept there for no reason to find what he was looking for. Zhou Mi was sitting up, looking like he was ready to run after Kyuhyun if he had to. But Kyuhyun knew better. It was stupid to be fighting with each other on a point they both agreed on. Wanting to stay together, no matter what. For each other, for Miyun. So they sort of found an obstacle. They'd find a way around it, together.

He crawled to Zhou Mi, pushing him and getting a knee over Zhou Mi's hip.

"Look," he said, getting his fingers over Zhou Mi's mouth before he could say anything. "Arguing about this is stupid, can we just agree about that? Nod if you agree. Okay. You're not holding me back from anything. If you feel guilty for a second, I'll beat it out of you. You know I will. We'll work around it or over it or something, but they're going to have to take away my right to sing in some two-seater bar before I'd ever consider compromising us."

Zhou Mi sighed, and Kyuhyun pulled back his hand so that he could speak.

"I know. Kui Xian, I know. I just want you to have everything."

"Getting half of everything isn't a compromise if I keep what I have that's important to me."

"Oh. Kyuhyun."

He pulled Zhou Mi's hand up, kissing it for a moment. And onto Zhou Mi's finger he slid what he had gone to the drawer to get. It was a simple ring, nothing flashy. Sliding to nestle into the ring that Zhou Mi habitually wore, like they had been made to sit together. And they kind of had been, since he'd stolen Zhou Mi's ring on the pretense of getting it cleaned.

"I've been waiting for the right time to give this to you," he said, letting Zhou Mi get a look at it as well. "You and I? We’re more married than I ever was the first time. I want this whole album deal with you right here. I have this because of you. So..."

Zhou Mi pushed up until he was sitting, and he hummed into Zhou Mi's kiss, a bit ragged and desperate, but Zhou Mi through and through.

"Will you wear one for me, too?" Zhou Mi asked, threading their fingers together.

"As soon as our schedules line up, we'll go pick one out," he promised, smiling and kind of stuttering inside at the glimmer of tears he saw for just a moment.

"Kyuhyun."

He rest his head against Zhou Mi's, content to sit on him, have their chests move together as they held each other.

"You're my family, you know that?" he said, squeezing the back of Zhou Mi's neck. There were things he didn't say, things he expected Zhou Mi to know. Things that sometimes needed to be said out loud. "This is your home, and if love has anything to say about it, Miyun is your daughter, too. The staff throw a fit when we fight in front of them, so you're way outnumbered."

Zhou Mi was thumping his back with the flat of his hand, which Kyuhyun took as a hint to stop, so he did, just leaning into Zhou Mi and being satisfied. Just getting it all out was making him feel better, knowing he wasn't keeping something from Zhou Mi.

"I love you so much," Zhou Mi said, kissing his neck and making him shiver. “I think I can't love you more sometimes, and I just... Kyuhyun, you have no idea how much I need you."

"Yeah, I have some idea."

Zhou Mi was rock steady when he saw his face, kissing Kyuhyun with a gentle kind of knowing.

"Maybe you'll sleep better tonight, then."

"I think so." He swallowed, looking at Zhou Mi's hand, and the ring. His ring, on Zhou Mi's finger. "Love you."

With a groan, Zhou Mi lay back, pulling Kyuhyun with him. They were a tangle of legs, trying to get together, get all under the covers. Just laying beside each other, kissing, needing no words to exhibit their emotions. Too tired to imagine doing more, but not tired enough to let each other sleep. Not yet. But when he did sleep, he did so knowing that Zhou Mi's arm was around him, and that was as solid as any ring on any finger ever could be.

***

It only took three days to get an hour free in both their schedules during business hours, which certainly wasn’t the worst amount of time they’d faced. And with Miyun in tow, they found the ring store which Kyuhyun had used to buy Zhou Mi’s ring. He had never worn too many rings in his life, and wasn’t sure if it would annoy him or not. Or if he’d just eventually feel naked without it, which was more likely. As long as Zhou Mi didn’t expect him to wear something so huge and ridiculous that he looked like he was wearing Saturn on his hand.

He browsed discreetly, Zhou Mi with Miyun on his hip in the corner of his eye. They were, absolutely, in the women’s section, he observed with a roll of his eyes. And by Miyun’s giggles, Zhou Mi was probably trying to sell her on something incredibly hideous for him. Even if it was in jest. Zhou Mi’s smile was quite angelic over the top of her head, and Kyuhyun just stared back, unamused. Or secretly amused, as was the case. But Zhou Mi sauntered up beside him, Miyun leaning into his shoulder from her perch on in Zhou Mi’s arms. The man behind the case smelled a possible sale from at least the next city, and enquired encouragingly as to what they wanted, and who it was for.

“A ring, and it’s for me,” Kyuhyun said. And let the man measure his finger. He didn’t think he screamed “money!” but Zhou Mi had some obviously designer sunglasses dangling from his fingers. At least the price of the rings couldn’t go up.

“Gold or silver?” Zhou Mi murmured at him.

Kyuhyun just hummed.

“Crusted in diamonds?” Zhou Mi continued. “Rubies? Bananas?”

He snorted, and helped Zhou Mi set Miyun down since she was getting restless being held. She wandered along the glass cases like they were filled with candy. Which, sparkly things to a four year old, probably looked like it.

“Maybe we should get her a necklace,” Kyuhyun half breathed. Kind of a third gift to their little ring exchange. Two hearts, or a heart with two diamonds, or something that indicated she had two people loving and looking after her.

“Let’s figure out yours first,” Zhou Mi said with a laugh, trying to keep him focused.

“We can just get one that looks like yours,” Kyuhyun offered, trying for the easy way out. He’d liked the ring, after all, since he’d bought it for Zhou Mi. And though the tasteful diamonds in Zhou Mi’s were a little flashier than anything he’d have usually chosen for himself, he didn’t really have an idea of what he wanted, either. But Zhou Mi clearly wasn’t prepared to settle, waving down Kyuhyun’s offer. He let Miyun play with his fingers and Zhou Mi hummed and asked for a few rings to be pulled out so he could inspect them.

“This one,” Zhou Mi said, and the man began to pull it and reach for Kyuhyun’s hand to see. Zhou Mi nearly yelped, startling both of them. “Can I see it first?”

The man handed it to Zhou Mi without delay, and seemed to realize he wasn’t needed as they all stood in silence for several moments.

“Sorry,” Zhou Mi said softly to him. “If it’s the one, I don’t want some other guy putting it on you first.”

Kyuhyun laughed, and held still for Zhou Mi, watching as he slipped the ring up his finger. It wasn’t flashy, exactly, nor wide. It was silver, or white gold as Zhou Mi corrected him. With two satiny, horizontal platinum lines. The gold shone, while the silver merely sort of glowed on his finger. It didn’t blind him, or make him feel conspicuous. It would be unique, and his. Miyun snuggled between their legs as he waved back the clerk.

“We’ll take this one. And do you have necklaces?”

They ended up walking out of the store with a ring box, and a necklace with a heart - with two colored stones that Miyun had been allowed to pick herself. He didn’t mind that they were pink and red. One day she’d understand what they meant for the three of them.

***

Even with the ring picked out, they still had part of the day left to conquer. And Zhou Mi was fine with that. Dinner, playing with Miyun and reading to her. Kyuhyun had found a few board games that he and Miyun enjoyed harassing each other over. Sometimes Zhou Mi joined in, other times he caught up with calls, or reading. Giving Kyuhyun the time to bond with his daughter one-on-one. He couldn’t even count the times he heard them gently teasing each other, or Miyun doing her belly laugh as Kyuhyun clearly went down in flames. Or the times when Kyuhyun actually chased her, which would’ve woken half the household as she ran squealing out of her room to dive into Zhou Mi’s lap. She usually won those, secure in Zhou Mi’s arms as Kyuhyun collapsed beside them.

But with her asleep, and the staff off to their nights alone, it was finally time for them. It wasn’t often they locked their bedroom door, but it was pretty obvious why the times they did. Even if Miyun had a sense of knocking that was fairly developed for a four year-old, there wasn’t any sense in pushing it. He’d made it to the bed, sitting on the edge of it while he waited for Kyuhyun to finish locking and getting his head together. He wet his lips and considered, as Kyuhyun turned to him.

“How are we supposed to do this?” Zhou Mi asked, holding the ring box in one hand.

Kyuhyun had not changed much in the year and a half they had known each other. Perhaps just a touch thinner in the face, or maybe it was just that he saw a smile there too often to know it. Or he had, anyway. Until the album worries had eaten at Kyuhyun enough. He hadn’t been paying close enough attention. But they had a night with nothing to do but amuse themselves, and he knew just how he wanted to spend it. Part of it, at least.

He’d moved beyond most of the surprise that Kyuhyun was with him. There were nights they barely spoke out loud to each other, just sitting together after Zhou Mi got home from games and knowing they were together. And sometimes texting at each other. Because for some reason that made them both laugh. Kyuhyun needed his time alone, or he began to draw away in ways that weren’t pleasant for either of them. The time alone, and the time together. A perfect circle.

He took the ring from the box, and stood. Reaching for Kyuhyun’s hand and holding the endlessly fascinating fingers. There wasn’t need for ceremony, because they knew what it meant. The cool metal slipping onto Kyuhyun’s finger. Simple, but not plain. It had an inner light, almost like Kyuhyun himself.

“I love you,” Zhou Mi told him, getting a hand behind his neck and making sure they were looking at each other. “I have for a long time. I don’t think it took me very long after we met, seeing you there every day, so good looking, and so unhappy. And then you were with me.”

He had a ring on his finger, and a ring on Kyuhyun’s to prove it. But the heavy words were making Kyuhyun fidget. It wasn’t often they pulled out the history card, back when they were still unsure of each other. So he didn’t really mind when Kyuhyun shifted into a different facet of their past.

“You remember the first time we had sex?”

Zhou Mi laughed. “Could I forget? Walking into the house. Seeing your room. You getting naked and on top of me. Being so angry I couldn’t use my arm and just take you.

“We could try recreating that,” Kyuhyun suggested, lips curving.

“This time I can actually use both hands,” he said, catching Kyuhyun’s waist with them.

“You want me to make it more authentic and tie you up? I know where you keep your scarves.”

“Ha. Ha,” he retorted. “Did you enjoy it, that first time?”

“I kept asking you back, didn’t I?”

“I know what it was like for me. Happy and relaxed.”

“Sex’ll do that to me. I think you’ve figured that out by now.”

Kyuhyun’s soft moan was not just for his benefit, the way his mouth ghosted Kyuhyun’s, as he slid the shirt off of Kyuhyun’s shoulders. A kink, he had found. Or perhaps that they had developed together. That Kyuhyun loved to be undressed. And what could he do but oblige? When it meant tracing down that skin. Unbuttoning Kyuhyun’s slacks, and very deliberately smoothing them over the curve of Kyuhyun’s ass. He had never wanted to touch, pat, squeeze, and in general thrust into, any man as much as he did Kyuhyun. And Kyuhyun knew it, humming, satisfied, against Zhou Mi’s neck as Zhou Mi groped him thoroughly. That backside warm through the material of his briefs, more than his hands could hold. If there was any time that lascivious thoughts were appropriate, it was then. Sneaking down to tease the cooler backs of Kyuhyun’s thighs, and getting a throaty protest when he tried to tickle. He held Kyuhyun steady as he stepped out of his pants, and let the front of his own pants drag against Kyuhyun’s underwear.

“You want these off?” he breathed against Kyuhyun’s ear, letting his thumbs flirt under leg seams.

Kyuhyun bucked against him. “Such a tease.”

“I learned from the best.”

He loved every catch of Kyuhyun’s breath as he eased the underwear down Kyuhyun’s hips. Sliding the obvious arousal through the tips of his fingers while he slid the cloth down Kyuhyun’s thighs.

“My little exhibitionist,” he murmured, letting Kyuhyun drive the kiss.

There was no such compulsion on his part to let Kyuhyun do the undressing for him, just a lot of hungry looks as he flung his shirt off one arm, and started on his pants. It was harder than one could expect, to figure out a zipper when Kyuhyun was stroking his erection against Zhou Mi’s fingers. Or maybe it was the mouth sucking at his.

He let his clothes fall, tugging Kyuhyun with him. Holding him steady as he sank back onto the bed, squirming a little to get his head comfortably on the pillow. Invitation. One Zhou Mi, ready to be used and taken at will. Not even an arm’s length away for lubrication, to watch Kyuhyun crawl and settle above him.

Just like the first time.

It wasn’t as though they’d never done it that way again. He didn’t think anyone would’ve complained to see Kyuhyun above them. The study of concentration on that face as Kyuhyun sank down. Every bit of pleasure, the tightness of discomfort, and the drive of pleasure. It wasn’t as though Kyuhyun was a passive lover, even when he was under Zhou Mi and they rocked together. But it was Kyuhyun using Zhou Mi’s body to pleasure himself in a way that Zhou Mi could not do. Of course, he’d learned tricks and gained understanding, but Kyuhyun knew every angle and speed that drove his arousal. And what teased, pleased, Kyuhyun, did a hell of a job on Zhou Mi’s body as well. Added to the visuals. The sweaty chest, the hair clinging to Kyuhyun’s face, or that forehead when Kyuhyun tried to sweep it back.

Elements changed. But not fundamentals. Time of day, level of tiredness. Whether he was the one who stroked Kyuhyun to climax, or Kyuhyun himself. Or a few times he’d repaid the show by sucking Kyuhyun off. Ooh, those shudders. They’d gotten pretty good at that too.

Kyuhyun’s hair was perfect because of album shoots, and mussed because of his hands. That voice that sent chills through him when Kyuhyun was singing, sent flushes over his whole body when it was hoarse with need. Kyuhyun’s head held at an awkward angle, so focused on moving, coming.

“Zhou Mi,” Kyuhyun gasped. And cried out as Zhou Mi took over stroking, stroking faster than Kyuhyun’s hips, and using his own to bring about his own finish.

Kyuhyun oozed beside him with a whimper, and he groped for the sheet, blanket, something. Chilled without clothes and no Kyuhyun on top of him. Kyuhyun kissed his throat, working up to his ear and sighing.

“That worked pretty well,” Zhou Mi told him, angling for more of Kyuhyun’s skin.

“It did. It’s still early,” Kyuhyun murmured. “Want to relax in the hot tub a while?”

“Now that he’s killed me, he wants to boil my balls off,” Zhou Mi said, nipping at Kyuhyun’s neck. “If you can get me out of this bed, we can run through the shower.”

“I’ll get us wine,” Kyuhyun promised.

***

The first press conference came on Kyuhyun like lightning. No matter how many sessions they’d had to discuss it, or how long there was in advance. He’d attended press conferences with the baseball team, and had done several one-on-one interviews just to get him prepared. But it was his first time in front of a whole gang of reporters. He wasn’t sure if the company had known how much his debut would blow up, exactly. Certainly his identity as the son of the owner of one of the most well-known baseball teams spoke for something. Even if they didn’t market him as such, his name was still known. And with his name, Zhou Mi’s.

He wasn’t sure if he was more or less nervous, just going on the fact that Zhou Mi and Miyun were there with him. Not actually with him, but in the building. Zhou Mi was going to find an inconspicuous spot and let Miyun see some of the circus of questions. Taking her away, of course, if it got too much. He didn’t think anyone was going to be asking if he and Zhou Mi had sex on the baseball field, but who knew.

Mixed in with the questions about the album, how he got his start, were questions on Zhou Mi. What Zhou Mi was to him, how long they’d lived together, how they’d met. There was a vague truth to everything, and he denied nothing. His manager helped guide things along, and he sighed, trying every so often to look at see where Zhou Mi had placed himself. The person he saw, though, wasn’t who he expected. His father. His eyes slammed back down, focusing on the reporters and the cameras.

“Is it true the company tried to make you end your relationship with Zhou Mi?”

He laughed, before his manager could interject. “My relationship with the company was not founded on, nor hinged on, any facet of my interaction with Zhou Mi.”

“You gave him credit in your album notes for your career.”

“Then the album notes told you the truth,” Kyuhyun answered.

“Is your father involved at all? What does he think about his son taking on a career outside of baseball?”

“I’ll have to let him answer that question for himself,” he said, and let that drop.

He was mentally, physically drained, afterward. The adrenaline wreaking havoc on his body, and he wolfed half of a sandwich and juice. He had no idea if his father was still there, if he’d escaped the reporters’ eyes. But he knew Zhou Mi and Miyun were still around, because Zhou Mi would have let him know if they were leaving. He spotted Zhou Mi and Miyun, with his manager, and stopped to talk to his wardrobe coordinator. They discussed what he needed, what would be done for the next press conference. It seemed to him mere moments.

But no matter how distracted he was, there was no mistaking Zhou Mi’s voice. Or the panic in it.

“Miyun? Miyun?!”

If it had been Zhou Mi, with that tone, about any other thing it still would have set him on edge. But Miyun’s name? He turned in time to see Zhou Mi, head swinging wildly side to side, racing up the length of the room away from Kyuhyun.

“She was here just a second ago,” Kyuhyun heard his manager say as he raced after Zhou Mi.

He made it to the door, ready to tear the world apart. Just in time to see Zhou Mi, on his knees, giving Miyun the hug to end all hugs.

“Grandpa took me to get a sweet,” Miyun said, sounding confused about Zhou Mi’s reaction.

Kyuhyun ignored his father to crouch behind Zhou Mi, at Miyun’s level.

“You have to, have to tell one of us, before you leave a room,” Kyuhyun told her. And he tried so hard to not be harsh about it. But the correcting words after what seemed like a fun adventure made her face crumple. She began sobbing into Zhou Mi’s neck with her candy clutched in one fist. He wanted to scoop her up and tell her it was okay, but he had other things to deal with. Like the man in front of him, watching the exchange.

“Zhou Mi, could you take her? I need to talk with my father.”

Miyun let out a wail that broke his heart as Zhou Mi closed the door behind him.

“What are you thinking?” Kyuhyun demanded. “Taking a child away from her parent. You scared years off our lives. Would it have been so hard-“

“I thought Zhou Mi saw me. I motioned I was going to take her,” his father said, belligerent. “We were barely gone a minute. Worrying you was never my intention.”

“She could have been kidnapped, or hurt. I don’t even know who you are. Why did you even show up today? You know, the company did start talking about wanting to split me and Zhou Mi up. I never even thought until now that you might even have had a hand in it, encouraging it.”

“You think I’d do that?”

“I think you haven’t been happy about it since the first moment I told you that Zhou Mi was living with me.”

“Where do you think that money you’re supporting Zhou Mi on came from?”

“My grandfather,” Kyuhyun shot back. “As though Zhou Mi doesn’t make his own money. But as usual, it’s all about what makes you happy.”

He stepped close as he dared, forcing his ringed hand directly into his father’s line of vision. “That, right there, is proof that he and I are together, no matter what you or any company might have an opinion on otherwise. It’s what’s best for me, and it sure as hell is what’s best for Miyun. Stay away from us, Dad. Just stay away, before I don’t want you around permanently.”

And because he wanted to hold his baby, he swerved around his father and went outside instead. He had to get himself together, or risk scaring her further. He wasn’t going to be his father. He wasn’t.

***

Zhou Mi soothed the upset and anxious girl, drying her tears and holding her. She wanted Kyuhyun, and of course she did, but he held her, knowing Kyuhyun needed time to sort things out with his father. When she had calmed enough for him to talk her, he got her a drink of water from the nearby fountain and washed her face with a little of it. He let her tell him what had happened, that her grandfather had offered to buy her candy, and that she had gone with him. She’d been wandering down the rows of chairs, close enough that Zhou Mi would’ve heard even if he was half turned to her. And it made him sick, to think, that if it had been some other man? That he’d have been right there, and unaware. Just a few seconds of inattention.

“What would you have said if it had been a stranger offering you candy?” he asked.

“No!” she said loudly, and he cuddled her.

“That’s exactly right.” And it comforted him, as they talked, that she understood why he had reacted how he did. And worn out by her day, and the emotions, she started to fall asleep against him. Zhou Mi shifted, as the door opened. And it was not Kyuhyun, but his father.

“How is she?” the man asked, without any greeting. Though his voice was quiet.

“Look who came to tell you to have a nice nap,” Zhou Mi whispered.

“Grandpa. Thank you for the candy,” she murmured.

“You’re welcome.”

Zhou Mi began to feel even more uncomfortable when he watched Kyuhyun’s father sit down, sitting in silence as Miyun slipped firmly into sleep.

“I’ve been thinking about selling the baseball team, and using some of the money to make a trust for her. Coming here today made that more real for me.”

Zhou Mi swallowed hard. “Why are you telling me this?”

“Because as I understand, that ring on your finger tells me that you’ll be there beside them when she’s old enough to take control of that money.”

All he could really do was stare as Miyun shifted against him and fell back asleep. Was that acceptance? Or something else? He didn’t know what the offer meant, what those words meant.

“Kyuhyun… If there are strings..?”

“No strings. No requirements, except in age. If Kyuhyun has an opinion on how old she should be, have him call my secretary.” The man stood, staring down at the sleeping child. “My father put aside money for my son, and she is the only grandchild I think I’m getting. I won’t do less than my father did for my child. Do you think he will accept?”

“It is not a gift to him.” No, not directly to Kyuhyun, but it was an offering, of some sort. And the surest way to Kyuhyun’s good - or bad - side, was through Miyun. “He’ll do what he thinks is best for her.”

“You know him better than I do, now.”

A hard thing for a father to admit, Zhou Mi wondered.

“Maybe. But I do know that Miyun loves you.”

“I haven’t done anything for her.”

“You’ve been there,” Zhou Mi said. “She knows your face, and trusts you.”

“He hasn’t turned her against me.”

“There are many chances, for a child, who only wants love.”

He didn’t think he was saying too much. He wasn’t saying, Ah yes, Kyuhyun once yearned for your approval, and he would have moved mountains for it. But he wondered if the message inherent in it was enough to get through, especially to a man who had too long held to a path that was not right for either of them.

He had a lot of time to stew in his own thoughts after the door had closed behind the man who’d merely bid him a good day, and a fond look at the sleeping girl. Miyun probably didn’t know, young as she was, that she could be both conflict and bridge between her father, grandfather. Maybe Zhou Mi’s presence in their lives had brought more conflict in some way, but he hoped also some changes for the better. Certainly even through his exhaustion, he saw the happiness in Kyuhyun. A settled kind of joy that had been missing from the man he had first met, with enough walls to guard all of China.

He dozed with Miyun, waking when the door opened.

“I can’t believe him,” Kyuhyun said, his voice soft though the force of his words showing through it.

“Kyuhyun.”

“What does he think he’s trying to do? It’s been this long. Does he want to take everything from me? I didn’t even think, I didn’t even consider that he could have something to do with all these problems.”

“No, I don’t think so. Kyuhyun, no, I have to tell you something.”

Kyuhyun sat, mostly because he didn’t have any option to otherwise as Zhou Mi tugged on his hand and guided him down.

“Don’t tell me he talked to you, Zhou Mi. I’m already too close to exploding.”

“Kyuhyun, he did, but it isn’t like you think. He’s thinking of selling the baseball team. And he wants to put some of the profits in trust for Miyun.”

Kyuhyun’s mouth parted, opening slowly as though all the disbelief in his body were trying to be exhaled in one slow movement.

“Then what- What is he trying to make up for? What is he guilty for that makes that seem like a good idea? Maybe he did have something to do with this, maybe… What does he want in return?”

“He wants to know if you have some preference for how old she should be when she can access it. He sat across from me, and I asked him if there was something he wanted, some string attached. Kyuhyun, he told me that he thought I’d still be with you when she was old enough to access the money. Maybe… I don’t know what you told him, but maybe..? He seemed sincere, but I think no matter what problems you and he have, he loves Miyun. He said he didn’t want to do less than his father did for you.”

“Well he should be sorry for leading Miyun away. Not even an idiot takes a child away from her parents without saying something.”

“Maybe he’d like to spend some time with her, away from us. Just an hour or two. Maybe a little play date. Once everything is ironed out.”

“You don’t think that he’d try to turn Miyun against me?” Zhou Mi’s face spoke enough for him without words that Kyuhyun waved his hand. “Yeah, I know, I know. I’m being stupid. Everything today, having him show up? I just kept ignoring things, hoping it all was just fine. No one wants to think their father would do something like that. Ugh. And this?”

He lifted Kyuhyun’s hand, nuzzling into it. “Just let it sit for a while. There’s no rush.”

“If he sells the team, I might not have any say in your place.”

“Don’t worry about that. I have a contract, and you know… No one plays the game forever. It’s not your job to keep me employed. I could just be a househusband and drive Miyun around if I get too old to play.”

“You being too old to play means time passes, and that’s not possible. It means she’ll grow up.”

Zhou Mi watched Kyuhyun’s finger trace the back of Miyun’s still child-like hand. She had grown even so much since he had met her, from the first moment of her reaching for his teeth, eating breakfast with her and Kyuhyun. Feeling the first blush of love, tangled pain and need of just holding Kyuhyun against him, feeling him shudder and moan. Hearing his laugh, seeing his grin. The wet press of his mouth against Zhou Mi’s skin. Always able to see him in his mind, cuddling Miyun close. And he felt Miyun shift against him.

“Daddy?” Miyun whispered.

“What, baby?”

“Are you mad at Grandpa and me?”

He heard Kyuhyun’s quick inhale, and the catch in Miyun’s voice. “Oh, baby. No. Come here.”

The awkwardness of their seats ended up with Miyun mostly in Kyuhyun’s lap, and partly still in Zhou Mi’s. Kyuhyun was wiping fresh tears from her reddening cheeks, and crooning at her.

“Oh Miyun, I’m not mad at you. Zhou Mimi and I were worried, wondering if you were okay. Even if it’s Grandpa, you have to ask one of us first, okay? We need Miyun happy and safe, okay?”

“Okay,” she said, her little voice miserable from the tears.

“Zhou Mimi and I love you so very, very much, so we need you right beside us,” Kyuhyun said, and got a smile from her. “Grandpa is sorry, too. Next time you’ll know what to do. I love you, Miyun.”

“Love you, too,” Miyun whimpered, and huddled into his chest. Zhou Mi’s heart ached to see it, and he was glad when her ragged breathing quieted. He knew what it did to him, to see her cry and unhappy, much less to Kyuhyun. He knew every tear tore Kyuhyun up inside, needing so much to see her happy. But that fine line between safety, happiness, and being her her father..? He wanted to cuddle both of them and make it all okay.

With the expression of a determined soldier, Miyun pushed up, and leaned back toward Zhou Mi.

“I love you, Zhou Mimi.”

She leaned into his arms with such trust and affection, tangled between the two of them, and he squeezed her, reassuring her that he loved her, too, no matter what.

And as he held Miyun tight, he kissed Kyuhyun’s face. As Kyuhyun wiped away tears that only the two of them would see.

***

Zhou Mi had the forethought to bring earplugs, since he knew the sound would be louder than what Miyun would be used to. But that didn’t keep either of them from being excited. Even if she had whispered to him after each performance and retake, wondering when Kyuhyun was going to come out. He didn’t have a certain timeline, content to watch the other performers and trying not to be nervous on Kyuhyun’s behalf. It wasn’t just Kyuhyun’s debut on a music program, with so many people in attendance that it made even Zhou Mi nervous. It was the first of so many things. Kyuhyun and his career. How that changed their lives, enriched them.

He nearly squeezed Miyun’s hand too tight, when the lights dimmed. The familiar strains of Kyuhyun’s first single floating out. And the screams around him that sent chills through his limbs. And that was even before Kyuhyun had begun to sing.

“It’s Daddy,” he whispered to Miyun, who was all but trembling in excitement. He pulled her into his lap so they could better support each other. Whereas she made sounds with the crowd, he was trying desperately not to cry. Kyuhyun, who walked out of the shadows and in the light. Long legs just crossing over each other as he walked. Voice rich and deep, the emotion in it all but undoing him. He was shaking as hard as Miyun had been. All the practice, hard work. All the press conferences, and late nights, and worry. So see Kyuhyun look out at the audience with a smile quirking his lips, and the music fading was like all his birthdays in one.

Zhou Mi whooped with everyone else, doing a tandem clap with Miyun and cuddling her until she giggled. They didn’t record twice, and he wasn’t sure if he would have been able to survive if they had.

His ears perked up as he heard girls chattering behind him. “His live voice is so amazing. He’s so gorgeous!”

He waited a beat, he really did. Trying to hold it down, but in the end, he really couldn’t.

“Yeah, he is, isn’t he?” he asked, turning his head around slightly.

It got him a couple of gasps of recognition.

And a handful of letters, and a small bag of gifts for Kyuhyun. But he supposed he had only himself to blame for that. Trying to keep Miyun from turning around and talking to them had been the hardest part. He was going to learn one day. Really.

They stayed politely to the end, but he had been impatient, hauling Miyun up in his arms so they could make it backstage faster. She carried the bag of gifts and letters as proudly as if she’d bought them for Kyuhyun herself. And after a knock, they were let back into his dressing room. It was a small forest of flowers in one corner, and he stared.

Kyuhyun laughed, still in his stage makeup. “Those are from the fans. The big arrangement though? That’s from my dad. Or from his secretary, at the very least.”

“Oh, Kyuhyun. Still, that thought is nice.”

“It is.” Kyuhyun’s eyes caught the gift bag. “For me?”

“From your fans,” Zhou Mi laughed. “This is from me.”

And he leaned down, pressing a kiss to Kyuhyun’s mouth. And he was pretty sure, makeup or no, that Kyuhyun had never looked so gorgeous, with his eyes smiling.

“And from me, Daddy,” Miyun broke in.

“Baby. Thank you,” Kyuhyun said, cuddling her after she had dove into his arms.

Of course Miyun wanted to see everything he’d gotten, and he indulged her a little. But it came time for them to leave, to let Kyuhyun’s manager not want to roll them under a chair somewhere.

“I’ll be home later,” Kyuhyun said, grasping Zhou Mi’s lapels. “Autograph signing, and then-“

“I’ll wait up,” Zhou Mi promised. “Love you.”

“Love you. Both of you.”

He got one more kiss, before they were ushered out, and he breathed the outside air with some relief. They’d made it through the first performance. Surely the next couldn’t be so draining. Still, after all that sitting still, he and Miyun went to the park and got out some of their frustrations on the slide and swings. And after a special lunch for the absent and hardworking Daddy, they passed out against each other on the couch.

While she was gone with her nanny for tutoring, he worked out. Running until the sweat was dripping off of his hair. Seeing Kyuhyun on that stage, hearing his voice. Maybe he hadn’t known Kyuhyun his whole life, but he couldn’t have been more happy and proud for what Kyuhyun had strove for, accomplished. Sure, they were in love, but it was more than that. It was such a good thing that they hadn’t been allowed time alone backstage, because the last thing Kyuhyun would have needed was Zhou Mi crying all over his shoulder. Even if maybe it would have amused him in a way. He knew, Kyuhyun did. Knew that to Zhou Mi it wasn’t about the number of fans, or album sales, or how much money Kyuhyun needed. Because it was never about the money. It was about Kyuhyun and his dreams, and the joy the music brought him. And if weeping while reading Kyuhyun’s album notes hadn’t been enough. Getting to the end and seeing the short message Kyuhyun had written in Chinese, just for him. And to Zhou Mi, who made all my dreams come true. I love you.

The weeks they had spent apart, their brief breakup, had never dimmed his feelings. If anything, it had made him only more sure of them. He could not have spoken of love to Kyuhyun before he had gone back with the team, could hardly have considered it. But after? Missing Kyuhyun, reading news of Kyuhyun. Not all of it could be buried, the regret, the daydreams of running into Kyuhyun unexpectedly, and resolving everything between them. And to hear him sing. All the arguments that they could not work dissolved in a small club just past its prime. Listening to Kyuhyun croon into a microphone, dreams spun out on sounds and curls of smoke.

And hearing that his love was returned, all those months leading up to that had been only a prelude to it. Kyuhyun, who had then overseen every moment of Zhou Mi’s moving in, seeing Miyun’s disbelief and understanding that Zhou Mi not only would be there daily, but sleeping there, too? Kyuhyun had allowed her one sleepover in the first couple of weeks, her happily snuggled on one side of Kyuhyun, Zhou Mi on the other. He’d woke the next morning with a three year-old girl teasing his ear, laying over Kyuhyun’s sleeping body and laughing at him. And when Kyuhyun had woken, after an epic tickle fight that Kyuhyun had lost, they had a lazy morning, eating cold cereal at the table, sitting in Miyun’s room as she played, Kyuhyun dozing on his shoulder. And as Miyun had used their legs as some kind of obstacle course, he had stared at what he could see of Kyuhyun and just been amazed. That he was there, after all the worry, the heartache, the hope and joy. Curling his hand into Kyuhyun’s and just inhaling against his hair. In love with love. And almost burdened by joy, when five minutes later Kyuhyun was rudely awakened by a squeaky toy to the head.

Hard to believe that the agony of being apart, and the first brushes of joy of being back together, had been almost a year ago. He’d showered and eaten, by the time that Kyuhyun finally made it in the door. And for once, it wasn’t him nagging after Kyuhyun about how the day had gone, because Zhou Mi had been dragged into the bathroom, listening while sitting on the floor outside the shower stall. Kyuhyun chattering about the autograph session, and the quirks of recording the show, and this and that. He interjected when he felt a need to, content to listen to Kyuhyun’s voice. Of course then he had a wet man clinging to him, swinging them around.

“I was about to explode with pride. You’re too good for me now,” Zhou Mi teased him.

“Don’t make me drown you in the shower,” Kyuhyun retorted.

The next day was to be busy for Kyuhyun, and the next, and the next. But for that night at least, there was nothing stopping them. Pinning Kyuhyun to the mattress and laughing at the way Kyuhyun moaned and wriggled. At the ways Kyuhyun made him moan and wriggle, too.

He was almost asleep, body heavy with pleasure, when Kyuhyun seemed to have a thought.

“I forgot to ask how your day was.”

He just snorted into Kyuhyun’s neck and pulled him closer.

***

Kyuhyun wasn’t stupid enough to plan Miyun’s 5th birthday party on his own. Or even with the help of Zhou Mi who, while fabulous and very loving toward Miyun, didn’t know the first thing about planning and catering an event aimed at ten discerning 4 and 5 year-old girls. But he was lucky, very lucky, that it happened to fall between schedules. No matter what management had been scared of before, that him living with Zhou Mi would somehow be a detriment, the album sales, the digital sales, had actually even slightly exceeded projections. And there were days he was run ragged, where relaxing with Zhou Mi in the hot tub was the best part of it. When he was out there, and stressed, he knew he had both Zhou Mi and his daughter waiting. And he had no illusions that it would all be easy. But he had someone to go home to, and that was the most precious thing to him. He had no regrets.

Unless it was agreeing to ten little girls instead of five.

However, Miyun had two requests that he had made sure to listen to, and they weren’t exactly surprises to him given the state of her bedroom over the last year and a half.

Princesses. And ponies.

And there was that fascination she had with lizards, but Zhou Mi had gently talked her out of that one, given that not all the other little girls would like to see performing geckos. Or whatever the party planner would have found.

Of course he could still picture Zhou Mi on the couch offering, no, guaranteeing that Kyuhyun would take her to see all the little lizards in the Reptile House at the zoo. And her being thrilled and listing all the bugs and insects she wanted to see, too. And the face Zhou Mi made, half grimace, half glare, as he hugged Miyun close so she couldn’t see. But Kyuhyun could, and was laughing silently at him about it.

“This is all you,” Zhou Mi had grumped, and Kyuhyun knew that somewhere buried against Zhou Mi’s chest, Miyun was giggling. She knew how to play her Zhou Mimi to a T.

Between two volunteer mothers, though, and the party planner and her assistant, he figured they had it covered. He and Zhou Mi were technically there to be hosts, and enjoy with Miyun. But that didn’t mean they didn’t pitch in anyway.

He’d woken Zhou Mi to a very thorough sucking, which had led to a very thorough round of morning sex. For a couple of reasons. One, as thanks for putting up with not only Kyuhyun and his schedules, but a houseful of girls for the entirety of the afternoon. And the second, because it was one year to the day, exactly, that they had broken up. After Miyun had been laid down with her by now well-loved Mimi-bear, and Zhou Mi had told him he was leaving. Leaving in a way that hadn’t meant returning to Kyuhyun’s side, or Miyun’s. It had been Zhou Mi who had come to him when they had met, and Zhou Mi who had come to break up with him. And Zhou Mi who had bent to come to him, to congratulate Kyuhyun on his singing. And that was the reason he had a man in his bed and his life, who laughed at stupid things Kyuhyun said and kept him grounded. Who loved Kyuhyun, when Kyuhyun’s reason couldn’t figure out why. Who loved his baby. And filled Kyuhyun’s life to where all he really wanted at times was more of Zhou Mi. Still. Stupid in love. So if he made sure they made very enthusiastic love to ground them together, he could only say that Zhou Mi hadn’t complained.

And all those birthdays he’d once spent alone with Miyun were over. Zhou Mi firmly at his side. And he was glad Zhou Mi was there, because he otherwise would nearly have fallen over at the sight of his father- Kyuhyun’s own father- walking up to the cheerful outdoor party. He actually had to blink several times, before realizing that no, the man in the tailored suit wasn’t some kind of overdressed delivery man. And yes, he did have a pink-wrapped package in one arm. And he realized that while he’d been gaping, Zhou Mi had started elbowing him none too gently to go and greet him. He ambled away from the tables of girls who were currently glittering and gluing fake stones and festooning tiaras into the envy of all child princesses.

“I didn’t think you were going to come,” he said, and kind of winced inside, hoping that wasn’t too awkward. Five years of missed birthdays left an impression on him after all. Even if Miyun had been given every excuse known to man.

“I know you’re having a small dinner for the family and staff tomorrow, but I have other engagements. I thought I’d bring this by. It’s some kind of talking lizard? My secretary purchased it on your suggestion.”

“Thanks. I’m sure she’ll torture you with it the next time she comes to your house to play,” Kyuhyun assured him, accepting the package. Though he was reluctantly touched when he saw the card, and realized that Miyun’s name was his father’s handwriting. That was new, too. A small effort being made. He knew his father didn’t know a thing about children’s toys, but a card almost anyone could do. And Miyun had come back from her one, Zhou Mi-and-his-father’s-secretary’s-organized, outing at his father’s house flushed from running around, and utterly delighted with life. Had he adored his father that much when he was four? Too young to understand the pressures that were coming.

“She’s a good girl,” his father said, standing beside him as watching her laugh with her friends. Of course, Kyuhyun’s eyes had strayed to Zhou Mi, who had bought himself a corner of a bench and was currently decorating the prettiest tiara in the land. “You’ve done a good job raising her. And she loves you, both of you.”

“She loves everyone. You included.”

“And her school, it’s the best you can find?”

Kyuhyun made a sound of agreement. “I researched quite a while. It’s close, and small. She enjoys it there. They’re very big on goals, but encourage her ideas and hobbies. The lizard thing, for instance.”

“Good. I should say hello, and get going. I have a dinner meeting waiting.”

“Yeah. Dad. Thanks. For coming. For trying.”

There were years of hard words, and mistrust between them. And he still wasn’t sure of the man he was looking at. No matter if he could see his own features to some extent in the aging face.

“You’re my son,” his dad said, and patted his shoulder.

And for once, the claiming words didn’t feel like a weapon, or a criticism. It wasn’t meant to grind him down, it just was. But he watched as his father quietly greet Miyun, seeing her excitement as she hugged him and showed him her tiara. Watched him smile at her. It hurt in a different way than he was used to. And some of the ache inside him washed clean.

“The ponies are next,” Zhou Mi murmured, slipping up beside him and taking his hand. And without words, he knew Zhou Mi understood.

“Do I love her too much, to make up for it?” he asked.

“Never,” Zhou Mi told him, squeezing his fingers. “The only thing you have to worry about is how to get the avalanche of glitter off of those sticky fingers so they don’t end up poisoning the horses.”

He snickered, leaning into Zhou Mi’s chest as his father left, and the party continued. The ponies were fine, and they even got Zhou Mi to pose with one. Which was…comical, and that was the only word he was going to use. And with two ponies and their handlers, there were plenty of pony rides to go around for the avid audience.

And even if he hadn’t been the one running the show, he felt as tired as the little princess had when all her friends had gone, and he led her inside smelling faintly of glue and horse poop. Full of cake and punch, he barely got her out of the bath before she was falling asleep on his shoulder.

“Played too hard,” he told Zhou Mi, who had tossed him her little nightdress.

“Too much fun’ll do that to you,” Zhou Mi agreed.

“Daddy,” Miyun murmured after she’d crawled into bed and clutched her Mimi-bear koala close.

He tucked the covers closer around her. “What, baby?”

“Can it be my birthday every day? Tiaras, and ponies, and Grandpa came…”

“Your gifts had nothing to do with that?” he teased, and she giggled sleepily. “Get some rest, Princess Miyun. Your lizards will be waiting for you tomorrow. Happy birthday. Big girl.”

“Happy birthday, Daddy.” He had to swallow the laugh at her sweet repetition. “Happy birthday, Zhou Mimi.”

And Zhou Mi got a hug and kiss goodnight as well, kneeling on the floor beside where Kyuhyun sat.

“Love you,” he whispered to Zhou Mi, to both of them, really, hearing Miyun slide into the even breaths of sleep.

Everything was locked up, the household quiet, as they walked toward their room together.

He leaned his head back, feeling Zhou Mi’s arms come around him. They had stood once right there, together, in pain. And they stood together with joy as well. And he knew very much which one he preferred.

“What should we do tonight?” Zhou Mi asked against his neck.

And Kyuhyun smiled.

***