Nectarine Sunset 5/14
Title: Nectarine Sunset
Pairing: Eunhae
Rating: PG-13
Genre: AU, Fluff, Romance.
Summary: Hyukjae has never had an easy life. He has been sheltered, living the only way he knows how. A simple meeting with a cheerful young man named Donghae will change every feeling Hyukjae has ever had.
Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Epilogue |
-
“A Christmas tree?” Donghae asks with a raised eyebrow while Hyukjae gives him a sad look. “You mean you've never had one?”
All it takes is a shake of Hyukjae's head and they're off to find a tree.
Hyukjae's parents left him alone most Christmases. They would go off to meet relatives for Christmas and Hyukjae would stay at home, listening to Christmas carols on the radio and watching as the houses around the neighborhood celebrated with lights and decorations. His house was always bare and up until now, he kept it that way.
Donghae would not stand for that. He always had decorations. His mom decked out the whole house with lights and they always had a tree covered in shiny ornaments.
The fact that Hyukjae was alone at Christmas every year made him angry. This year, Hyukjae would have a perfect Christmas and no one would stop it.
It is late fall, so scarves and gloves are necessary as they look through rows and rows of trees, trying to find one that stands out.
“This one?” Donghae asks, pointing to one.
Hyukjae scrunches his face and shakes his head, pointing to a much larger tree. Donghae laughs. Oh yeah, Hyukjae had a lot of room for a tree.
With the help of Kyuhyun (and Kyuhyun's car), they manage to get the tree inside and upright in the middle of Hyukjae's living room. Donghae takes a deep breath, inhaling the pine scent and he smiles.
“Perfect,” he says. “Now we need to decorate it.”
“Yeahhh, count me out of that part,” Kyuhyun says, buried in a conversation on his phone.
“Who ya textin'?” Donghae asks teasingly, peering over Kyuhyun's shoulder and immediately regretting it. “Oh, ew, gross! I don't need to know where your tongue has been!”
“Your fault for looking!” Kyuhyun counters. “I'm leaving now.”
Kyuhyun leaves in a hurry to meet Sooyoung and Hyukjae sits on the floor by the tree, admiring its branches, unfazed by the commotion behind him.
Donghae smiles and sits behind him, resting his chin on his shoulder.
“Do you like it?” Hyukjae nods. “Wait until you see it covered in lights and decorations.”
Hyukjae smiles and leans back into Donghae, imagining the tall tree on Christmas morning. He jumps up, startled when Donghae's phone begins to ring.
“Hello? Mom? Hi! What? Oh, Hyukjae and I just got a tree. Huh? Yeah. How are you? That's good. How is dad? Tell him I said hi! Wait, what?”
Hyukjae tilts his head like a confused puppy, watching Donghae have a conversation with his phone.
“Christmas with you guys? That would be great! You can meet Hyukjae!” Donghae grins, reaching out to squeeze Hyukjae's hand. “Yeah, I'll tell him about it and get back to you. Bye mom! I love you!”
Donghae hangs up the phone and is met by a blank-faced Hyukjae.
“What would you think about going to spend some time with my family?” Donghae asks, unsure of what the answer will be.
Hyukjae grins and nods, almost bouncing in excitement, but then he frowns, glancing at the tree.
“Oh! We'll still decorate it! Baby, don't worry about that,” Donghae says, pulling Hyukjae closer and blinking when Hyukjae stiffens in his arms. “Hyukjae?”
Hyukjae shakes his head quickly to indicate that nothing is wrong but Donghae notices the blush on his cheeks. He grins.
“Baby?” He says softly. Hyukjae squirms and Donghae laughs. “Do you like me calling you baby?”
Hyukjae quickly shakes his head again before stopping and nodding slowly. Donghae smiles triumphantly and kisses Hyukjae's cheek.
“Don't worry, I won't tease you... too much.”
Donghae laughs as Hyukjae tries to hide himself in the branches of their undecorated Christmas tree.
-
Hyukjae does not get nervous around Donghae anymore. They sleep in the same bed together, share a bathroom together, see each other shirtless every once in a while. Now, however, Hyukjae finds himself nervous and wondering if Donghae's parents will like him.
“How about this?” Sooyoung asks, picking up a basket of assorted soaps.
Hyukjae considers the basket before shaking his head. Sooyoung frowns.
“I'm probably not as good at this as you think I am,” she says. “I don't know what I would do if Kyuhyun wanted me to meet his parents.”
Hyukjae frowns and takes Sooyoung's hand, both as a sign of sympathy for her being there and a thanks. She smiles as they make their way towards another shop.
“You know, you're a much better gay friend than Donghae.”
Hyukjae snorts out a silent laugh and Sooyoung has to cover her mouth to keep from laughing as well. Despite Hyukjae's laugh being silent, it is incredibly contagious.
They make their way past a few more shops, ruling out stuffed animals, candles, and anything that has a smell. They are both losing hope and Sooyoung is complaining about being hungry when Hyukjae glances at an arts and crafts shop. The idea of hand-making a gift hadn't really crossed his mind until then. He suddenly has the perfect idea.
“Let's go have lunch, I'll buy. “
Sooyoung reads the message and jumps with joy as she runs to the nearest food stand while Hyukjae plots the perfect Christmas present.
-
“These are all of the pictures I could find... are you sure you have enough?” Donghae asks, sitting cross-legged on the floor across from his boyfriend.
Hyukjae examines all of the pictures, tilting his head at some and finally nodding to Donghae.
“Okay, well, I'm gonna head to the shelter, you'll text me if you need anything?”
Hyukjae nods again and Donghae smiles. He kisses Hyukjae on the forehead and ruffles his hair before leaving the room, leaving him to work.
Hyukjae sets all of the pictures aside, pushes his glasses up on the bridge of his nose and sets up his workspace. He widens his eyes when he realizes he's short on something. He quickly pulls out his phone to text Donghae.
“Can you bring home some glue?”
-
There is only one day left before the trip to meet Donghae's parents and Hyukjae is finally done. He claps to himself and does a small victory dance as he towers over his project on the floor of his room, unaware that Donghae is watching him from the doorway.
“You really are just... the cutest thing in the world.”
Hyukjae jumps slightly and stops his victory dance at those words. He starts to tidy up the room but is stopped by a pair of arms that pull him into a kiss. He feels himself melt completely, wondering if it is possible for a person to become a pile of goo on the floor from nothing but a kiss. He drops whatever is in his hands in favor of wrapping his arms around Donghae's neck.
Donghae pushes him gently towards the couch until Hyukjae falls into a sitting position and Donghae falls into his lap. They both smile at the sudden action briefly before their lips find each other again.
Hyukjae takes in a quick breath, wishing he could turn it into a moan, a way to tell Donghae that his kisses are perfect and sweet. He lets his hands wander under Donghae's shirt, feeling the man above him shiver. He feels the warm skin of Donghae's back, his toned stomach, slowly making his way to Donghae's chest.
Donghae moans, pressing himself closer to Hyukjae. Just a little more, and maybe...
Donghae's phone begins to ring, breaking them apart suddenly. Donghae whimpers and buries his face in Hyukjae's neck as he answers.
“Hello? Yes mom, we're coming tomorrow. Yes mom, you're going to meet Hyukjae. Yes, he eats meat. Mhm. I'm sure he'd like that. Yes. No. Yes. Mom? Mom. We'll see you tomorrow, okay? I love you, bye!”
Donghae hangs up the phone and feels Hyukjae chuckling beneath him.
“What's so funny?” He asks, still with his face against Hyukjae's neck.
Hyukjae takes the opportunity to lean in and gently nibble on Donghae's ear. Donghae shivers and Hyukjae leaves soft kisses down Donghae's neck, nuzzling a soft spot before biting it gently.
“I... need to go... bathroom,” Donghae stutters, standing up quickly and fixing his shirt before stumbling into the bathroom.
Hyukjae frowns. Then he smiles. His tolerance level is much higher than Donghae's, he notices. He secretly praises himself and continues cleaning up his mess.
He grins as he gingerly picks up the Christmas present he had made for Donghae's family. It is a model of the house Donghae grew up in, the house they would be visiting tomorrow. He managed to do pretty well, considering he had nothing to go off of but a few simple pictures. Still, it was very detailed and Donghae told him that it looked exactly like the house he remembered.
He figured that using his skills as an architect would impress Donghae's parents and make the gift more enjoyable for everyone. He is no longer nervous as he watches Donghae emerge from the bathroom. He is only excited.
-
“Are you ready? Like, really ready? Because if you're not we can totally turn around. You look nervous, maybe we should stop.”
Hyukjae rolls his eyes as Donghae teases him. They're in the backseat of a taxi and the driver seems amused by the one-sided banter.
Hyukjae doesn't mind the teasing, he knows that he will have his revenge soon enough. There will be some baby picture or childhood story that Donghae will scramble to hide and he can laugh as he eats cookies and drinks tea with Donghae's family. Yes, his revenge for hours of taunting would come in the form of Donghae's embarrassment.
As Hyukjae is plotting, he doesn't realize that the car has stopped.
“Hey,” Donghae say softly and Hyukjae turns to see a sincere, warm smile on his face. “We're here.”
The playfulness is gone from the atmosphere and Donghae can feel Hyukjae tense beside him.
“They're going to love you and you know it,” Donghae says with a smile as he pays the taxi driver and thanks him.
They haul their luggage out of the trunk, just a couple of small suitcases to keep them clothed for a week, and they finally make their way to the door. Hyukjae is carefully holding the wrapped model of the house in his free hand as he looks up and smiles. The house is exactly like the model. Big, but not too big, clearly designed to hold a large family. The thought of a home full of family makes Hyukjae giddy with excitement.
Donghae smiles at the sight of his boyfriend examining the details of the house. He reaches forward to ring the doorbell, startling Hyukjae who quickly reaches up to pat his hair down and straighten his glasses.
A rush is heard from inside, the scampering of feet, a small bark from a dog, and then the door opens.
“Donghae!”
A little girl dressed in a pink dress comes barreling out of the door, trying to tackle Donghae. Donghae laughs and picks the little girl up.
“Hey, you! You remember me?” He asks.
“Of course I do! Uncle Donghae!” The little girl exclaims.
Hyukjae watches with a smile until Donghae introduces him.
“Hyukjae, this is Claire. She's my brother's wife's sister's daughter,” he explains without missing a beat. “Claire, this is Hyukjae, my boyfriend.”
“You have a boyfriend?” She asks. “But boys have cooties!” She exclaims and Donghae laughs.
“What about me? I'm a boy,” Donghae says. Claire makes a face.
“You're a special boy,” she claims. “I'm gonna tell mommy you're here!”
Donghae sets the little girl down and she runs inside faster than she had come out.
“She has a brother and a few cousins that you'll get to meet, too,” Donghae says. “I hope you like kids.”
Hyukjae smiles as an answer but both of them know that Hyukjae hadn't had any experience with children.
“Donghae?” A woman's voice makes their heads turn. “Ah, Donghae!”
“Mom!”
Donghae is all smiles as he rushes forward to embrace his mother in a hug. Hyukjae watches and finds their happiness contagious. It's a touching moment to watch and Hyukjae can almost feel the love radiating from the mother and son in front of him.
“Where's dad?” Donghae finally asks when he pulls away.
“Oh, he's out buying a new snow shovel,” she explains. “It should snow before Christmas and- oh, you must be Hyukjae.”
Donghae's mother's voice softens as she looks at Hyukjae. Unsure what to do, Hyukjae smiles and hands the gift to her.
“Oh, what is this?” She asks, looking between them for an answer.
“Hyukjae made the family a gift,” Donghae explains. “He wants you to open it as a meeting gift rather than Christmas gift so we can open it when dad gets back.”
“Gifts can wait,” she says, “I have to give this precious boy a hug first.”
She laughs softly as she hands the gift to Donghae to embrace Hyukjae in a warm hug. She's short, making Hyukjae have to bend a little to hug her properly, but somehow she manages to make Hyukjae feel the love of a mother's hug, and he squeezes her just a little tighter.
Hyukjae is glad to be brought inside from the cold and he smiles warmly as he looks around the house. Lights everywhere, a large tree in the living room, pictures on the walls, a perfect family home at Christmastime.
This is Donghae's home, he thinks. This is where Donghae grew up. He smiles and reaches to grab Donghae's hand, sharing a smile with his boyfriend as they are led into a room where everyone seems to be gathered.
A few happy shouts and laughs are heard as family members recognize Donghae, welcoming him home with hugs and smiles. Everything is informal and warm, a safe and relaxing environment that Hyukjae can feel himself sinking into.
Hyukjae notices a particularly large hug from a man that he recognizes as Donghae's brother. He remembers stories Donghae had shared and knows that they're close and he can't help the smile that crosses his face as he watches them together.
“Everyone, this is my boyfriend, Hyukjae,” Donghae says when he's at Hyukjae's side again.
“Isn't he just the cutest? My son did well,” Donghae's mother says, making a few people in the room chuckle.
Hyukjae is greeted warmly by Donghae's family, his aunts, uncles, cousins, even the young children in the room, and finally his brother along with his wife.
“Donghae has told me quite a bit about you. I'm Donghwa,” Donghae's brother says, extending a handshake to Hyukjae before completing it with a hug.
Hyukjae smiles politely, wishing he could say that Donghae has talked about him as well.
“He said you were an architect?” Donghwa asks.
“He is! And he's made something for us,” Donghae's mother says, setting the box on a table in the middle of the room. She gently pushes the grabby hands of children away and Donghwa's wife reaches out to grab one of the children to hold him still.
Hyukjae smiles at all of the activity on the room and leans against Donghae. Donghae is happy to see Hyukjae so content and he smiles.
“Is that Donghae I see?” A voice asks from the doorway.
Everyone turns to see Donghae's father standing in the doorway, a smile on his face as he walks forward to hug his son.
“Dad! It's good to see you,” Donghae says as he hugs his father, patting him on the back before letting him go. “This is Hyukjae.”
Hyukjae politely shakes Donghae's father's hand and is glad to be greeted with a smile.
“Everyone is here now, can we open the present?” An impatient child says as he squirms on the couch.
“Present?” Donghae's father asks as everyone gathers around the table.
“Hyukjae made it, he worked really hard on it,” Donghae says, smiling at Hyukjae to encourage him.
Hyukjae suddenly feels anxious, watching so many people gather around to see his gift. His mother is the one who carefully unwraps the paper, revealing the model encased in glass, a perfect replica of the house, complete with the tree in the front yard.
There are a few gasps and words of praise around the room, everyone leaning in closer to look at the model.
“You made this?” One of Donghae's uncles asks and Hyukjae nods politely in response.
“As expected, Donghae the perfect boy brings back Hyukjae, the perfect boyfriend,” Donghwa says, making several people in the room laugh.
Hyukjae thinks he can hear Donghwa's wife whispering “not as perfect as you” to her husband and he giggles to himself at the sweet couple.
They spend several hours talking amongst themselves, catching up, getting to know each other. Donghae helps Hyukjae answer as many questions as he can so that Hyukjae doesn't have to type out too many answers. The sun is down and the kids are already in bed when Donghae notices Hyukjae's yawn.
“Are you tired, baby?” Donghae asks quietly enough so that only the two of them can hear.
Hyukjae nods a little, letting Donghae pull him to stand.
“We're gonna head to bed,” Donghae announces. “It's been a long day.”
“Your room is the same as you left it and there are extra blankets if you need them,” Donghae's mother says.
“Thanks mom, good night everyone,” Donghae calls out as he leads Hyukjae out of the room.
Hyukjae waves as he follows Donghae tiredly and Donghae can swear he just heard his mother praising his adorable boyfriend again.
“It really is the same,” Donghae says as they reach the room with their suitcases. “I only stay here for Christmas, usually, but mom doesn't ever come in here.”
Hyukjae nods at the words and drags himself to Donghae's bed, laying down and pretending to pass out. Donghae laughs and lies on top of him.
“Aren't you gonna change into pajamas, sleepy head?”
Hyukjae shakes his head and Donghae sighs before standing up again.
“I'm going to change, don't look.”
Hyukjae quickly pulls a pillow to cover his face and Donghae laughs. He hums to himself as he changes, pulling off his pants and replacing them with comfy pajama pants. He pulls off his shirt, leaving a white undershirt and deciding it's comfortable enough to wear to bed. He yawns as he crawls into bed next to Hyukjae.
“You can look now.”
Hyukjae peeks his head out and stares at Donghae for a while.
“What?” Donghae asks, blinking curiously.
Hyukjae pulls his phone from his pocket to type a message.
“I peeked.”
Donghae looks from the message to Hyukjae's face. Hyukjae is hugging a pillow that hides his cheeks, mouth, and nose, leaving only his amused eyes for Donghae to see.
“You...” Donghae says, moving closer and pulling the pillow out of the way, “are a pervert, aren't you?”
Donghae's face is close and Hyukjae considers him before biting his lip and nodding. Donghae laughs before kissing Hyukjae, letting his arms tug him closer.
“I brought you guys some- oh!”
Hyukjae jumps up at the sound of the voice and Donghae follows.
“Oh, well, not like I didn't know that was going on,” Donghae's mother says before continuing the sentence that had been interrupted. “I brought you guys a few snacks in case you're hungry. Don't forget to brush your teeth. And don't forget to lock the door after I leave.”
“Mom!” Donghae complains but he's laughing by the time she closes the door and sneaks away. “Well, that's never happened before.”
Hyukjae smiles sheepishly before getting up to retrieve their toothbrushes. He wonders as they brush their teeth and as he changes in the bathroom alone, if he's the first person Donghae has ever brought home.
“Have you ever brought anyone else home?” The message is blatant but he doesn't know how else to say it.
Donghae blinks at it as they lie in bed together and then smiles.
“I always come home alone and they wonder when I'm going to bring someone. You're the first,” he promises, tapping Hyukjae's nose.
Hyukjae nips at Donghae's finger in retaliation before cuddling into Donghae's sheets and smiling.
“You're the first and you're perfect and everyone loves you already,” Donghae whispers with a smile in his voice as they both drift off to sleep.
-
The next day is Christmas Eve and the house is buzzing with activity. Kids are chattering about how they're going to catch Santa, parents are plotting ways to sneak presents in without kids noticing, Hyukjae is in the kitchen, impressing everyone with his cooking talents, and Donghae is still asleep in his room.
It is nearing noon but Hyukjae couldn't possibly have woken Donghae when he was sleeping so comfortably in his own bed for the first time in a year. Instead, he sneaked down to the kitchen and helped cook breakfast for the whole family, a task that Donghae's mom was glad to have help with. At one point she had pinched his cheek and gotten flour on it. She had laughed and taken a picture that she said she would keep forever. Hyukjae took a picture of them both together and said the same via text message, resulting in more cheek pinching.
“My son is lucky to have you,” she had said, sincerity in her eyes and voice.
“I'm lucky to have him.” Hyukjae had written.
“You'll stay with him, won't you? Take care of him for us?”
Although all Hyukjae could do was nod, it was a promise that he would not break.
Donghae grumbles as he hears his phone buzzing. Sleepily, he reaches for it and peers at the screen. A picture message from his mom? He opens it, finding an adorable picture of a confused Hyukjae in an apron with flour on his cheek. He finds himself audibly awing at the picture and smiling as he reads the message attached.
“He is most definitely a keeper. If you don't keep him, I will!”
“He's not going anywhere, mom. I'll keep him forever.”
He sends the message and decides it's time to get out of bed and start the day with the man even his mom can't seem to resist.
-
Hyukjae is happily washing dishes while Christmas tunes are played in the kitchen, Donghae's mother and Donghwa's wife singing along. He listens with a smile on his face, occasionally turning to watch them sing and roll dough for Christmas cookies.
He envies their relationship in a small way. Donghwa had married a wonderful girl and here she is, making cookies in the home of her husband with her husband's mother, a woman who adores her. He wonders if he and Donghae were to be together for that long... several Christmases in the future, would he be in this kitchen, baking cookies with Donghae's family?
He nervously brushes the thought from his mind and turns back around to wash a plate when a movement outside catches his eye. He leans close to the window and tilts his head. Snow? Grinning, he dries his hands and turns, tapping the two women on the shoulder and pointing outside.
“Snow?” Donghae's mother questions as she peeks out the window. “Where is Donghae? He loves snow!”
Hyukjae turns just in time to see Donghae hopping into the kitchen rather excitedly, trying to get a boot onto his foot.
“You're right,” Donghae says, “I do love snow. And Hyukjae and I are going to go out and play in it.”
Hyukjae watches his boyfriend with an amused expression, shaking his head playfully at his childishness.
“Actually,” Donghae's mother says, “Hyukjae has chores to keep him busy. It's a good thing you're dressed for the cold weather; I can send you on an errand!”
Donghae stares at his mother, shocked. Hyukjae manages to take a picture of his face without him noticing.
“But mom!”
“No buts, take your brother with you and get going. We need milk and frosting and sprinkles for the cookies.”
“Why can't Donghwa do iiiiiiiit?” Donghae whines as his mother pushes him out of the kitchen.
Hyukjae chuckles to himself and turns to watch the snow from the window. He suddenly realizes that he has been smiling all day, not sparing even a single second for a frown. He continues to smile as the next Christmas song begins to play and he is handed another dish to wash.
-
Donghae grumbles to himself as he gets into the passenger seat of his brother's car.
“What's wrong?” Donghwa asks as they drive, amused by his brother's pouty face.
“I wanted to spend today with Hyukjae,” Donghae mumbles.
“Are you ever going to grow up?” Donghwa asks.
“There's nothing childish about wanting to be with the one that you love.”
“Oh wow when did you get so cheesy?” Donghwa responds as he pretends to throw up.
“I'm not cheesy, I'm just... I really wanted to spend this whole Christmas vacation with him,” Donghae says. “But I guess he's getting a big dose of Christmas with mom right now.”
“Yeah,” Donghwa smiles. He stays quiet for a moment before speaking again. “You're really in love with him, aren't you?”
Donghae turns to his brother, confused by the question.
“I am... but why do you ask?”
“I don't think I've ever seen you this happy, Donghae,” he says. “Not since we were little and didn't know what love was. You've come back every Christmas with an empty heart and now... you're so... bright. Like you're excited about every moment.”
Donghwa seems to struggle with the words to describe his brother and Donghae stares at him.
“I... it's only been a few months, really, but I... you're right. He makes me happier than I think I've ever been. I want to feel like this forever... with him.”
“So cheesy,” Donghwa mumbles but he smiles. “I'm happy for you. I haven't been able to hang around him much but he does kind of just give off these warm vibes. Almost like a puppy. Everyone loves puppies.”
Donghae stares at his brother again.
“My boyfriend is like a puppy?” He asks.
“I guess so, since everyone loves him and thinks he's adorable.”
“You have a point,” Donghae sighs. “Let's just run this errand so I can get back to my adorable puppy.”
Donghwa laughs and drives just a little bit faster.
-
Hyukjae is bundled up in a blanket, staring out the window at the snow as he takes a break with a cup of tea. The world is cold and icy but he's perfectly warm and snug inside, and he smiles at the thought.
“You seem to make my son very happy.”
Hyukjae is startled by the voice and almost spills his tea. He turns to see Donghae's father, a soft smile on his face. Hyukjae smiles back awkwardly, unsure what to do.
“Don't worry,” Donghae's father says, “you don't need to say anything, but I would like you to listen.”
Hyukjae nods, watching the elder man as he looks out the window and begins to speak.
“Donghae has always been a sensitive boy. He was the youngest in our family, but never the inferior. He was always so happy as a child, with the biggest smile you could imagine. When he became an adult... after he moved out, it seemed as if he was always searching for something. I don't think he ever really knew what it was but... he found it in you.”
Hyukjae absorbs the words, thinking over them carefully as the man continues.
“He called us, you know, to tell us he was dating you. He was so excited, describing you, telling us everything until our ears were sore but we were so happy for him. We've been dying to meet you, Hyukjae, and now that we have, we know that you're his other half. He's so happy with you... Hyukjae, will you keep him happy... for us?”
Hyukjae swallows, keeping tears at bay while he watches them fill the eyes of Donghae's father. The man nods in return and smiles before patting Hyukjae on the back and turning to leave the room. Hyukjae watches him and finds himself sniffling slightly. He blames it on the nonexistent cold in the room and pulls his blanket closer.
A door slams open and he jumps again, frowning at the tiny drop of tea that manages to escape from his cup. He begins to lick it from his hand and looks up to find Donghae staring at him, head tilted.
“Why... are you licking your hand?” Donghae asks. “Did you miss me that much?” He grins.
Hyukjae scowls at him and turns away, drinking his tea.
“Or... maybe you really are like a puppy,” Donghae muses aloud, “puppies lick their paws to clean themselves...”
Hyukjae raises an eyebrow and turns to stare at his boyfriend. Donghae blinks at stares back.
“Right, um,” he stutters, “snow. We need to make a snowman. Get dressed.”
Hyukjae, feeling stubborn, sits down in a chair and huddles into himself, holding up his tea before drinking it to let Donghae know that he's not going anywhere until his tea cup is empty. Donghae sits at his feet and begins whining like a puppy. Hyukjae ignores him and sips his tea as slowly as possible.
Pouting in a rather obnoxious way, Donghae runs out of the room for a moment and returns quickly with Hyukjae's winter boots and coat.
Hyukjae glares and shakes his head but Donghae is already lunging at him, pulling his slippers from his feet and forcing the boots onto them.
“Don't fight it!” Donghae yells as Hyukjae fights him. “It's for your own good! Without these, you'll freeze in the snow when I drag you outside!”
Hyukjae is shaking with laughter but still pushing Donghae away. He stops pushing to give himself a moment to breathe and Donghae manages to push a boot onto his foot.
“Success!” Donghae yells, quickly reaching for the other foot.
“Okay, little brother, I think that's enough, leave Hyukjae alone.”
Donghae and Hyukjae both look up to see Donghwa crossing his arms and glaring at his little brother.
Donghae immediately drops Hyukjae's foot.
“Let's not do anything crazy,” Donghae says, holding his hands up as if surrendering. “You're a lot bigger than me now, a fight wouldn't be fair.”
“You're right,” Donghwa says, “which is why you're going down.”
Just as Donghwa is about to pounce on his little brother, Hyukjae moves to stand between them.
“Hyukjae?” Donghae questions, still on the ground with his arms raised.
Hyukjae had only been slightly offended by Donghwa's attempt to protect him when he is perfectly capable of protecting himself. He rolls up his sleeve and puts his arm up towards Donghwa, fist open.
“I think...” Donghwa starts, “your boyfriend wants to arm wrestle me.”
Donghae falls over before standing up and standing next to Hyukjae.
“Arm wrestle?” Donghae questions, visibly thinking before coming to a conclusion. “Ah, is this... to show that you can protect me, Hyukjae?”
Hyukjae smiles at his boyfriend before taking his glasses off and handing them to him. He sits at a table in the living room and waits for his opponent.
“But... Donghwa is really strong...” Donghae says, chewing on his lip. “Are you sure about this?”
“Shut up, Donghae,” Donghwa says, taking a seat across from Hyukjae. “If he's stronger than me then it'll be a good thing. I'll know my little brother is with a guy that can take care of him.”
“I can take care of myself!” Donghae says, sounding much like a child.
Hyukjae and Donghwa both stare at him.
Donghae stares back.
“I'll tell mom you two are bullying me!”
“Still a child,” Donghwa mumbles. “Donghae, just count to three for us. Ready, Hyukjae?”
Hyukjae nods, gripping Donghwa's hand tightly.
Donghae sighs but manages to count to three to start the match. Practically before anyone can blink, Donghwa's hand is pinned to the table by Hyukjae's.
After a moment of confused silence, Donghwa speaks.
“Do that again.”
And so he does. It is easy for Hyukjae, really. He had spent plenty of hours training physically and mentally on his own. Usually he played soccer for exercise but he occasionally found himself at the gym.
“How did I not know you were this strong?” Donghae asks, poking at Hyukjae's arm.
Hyukjae only smiles as he puts his glasses back on.
“Seriously, it's hard to tell just by looking at you,” Donghwa says, poking at his own arm.
Hyukjae glances out the window again while the other two men examine their own arms and then he turns to Donghae. He points to the lone boot on his foot and then gestures outside.
“You mean we can finally go outside?” Donghae asks, picking the other boot off of the floor and handing it to Hyukjae.
Hyukjae nods as he puts the boot on and shrugs into his winter coat.
“I guess that means I'll leave you two alone,” Donghwa says, nodding to Hyukjae before heading into another room filled with the sounds of children playing.
Hyukjae takes a breath and looks at Donghae, smiling because his boyfriend is so happy to be home, with his family, during a snowy Christmas.
Donghae looks at him and grins.
“Come on,” he says. “Let's get out there while it's still snowing.”
-
It takes two snowmen, several failed igloos, and a halfhearted snowball fight to quench Donghae's thirst for snow. All of the snow in the front yard has been touched by Donghae, not a snowflake left unscathed.
Hyukjae, having no idea how to make a proper anything out of snow, learned every snow trick in the book from Donghae within hours. He stands proudly in front of his snowman, patting its cold head, making Donghae laugh.
“Not bad for your first try,” Donghae says, sniffling through his words.
Hyukjae frowns, pointing to Donghae's incredibly red nose. They had spent the entire evening in the snow, losing track of time.
Donghae frowns back and fishes out his phone to look at the time.
“We've been out here for hours,” he says, “it's already ten, everyone is probably asleep!”
Hyukjae wants to laugh but instead he pinches Donghae's red nose before taking his hand and dragging him to the door. It had been too easy to ignore the cold in their fun but it was impossible to be oblivious to the melted snow that had seeped through their clothes.
As quietly as possible, they sneak inside, taking their wet shoes off and heading towards the stairs. Hyukjae nearly trips over his own numb feet, wincing as his foot makes a loud noise as it makes harsh contact with a wooden stair.
Both of them freeze, waiting for the sounds of waking from within the house. After hearing nothing but a light snore, they quickly push their way up the stores, locking themselves in Donghae's room where they both release a sigh of relief and smile at each other.
“You're so red from the cold,” Donghae comments, linking his gloved hands with Hyukjae's.
Hyukjae raises an eyebrow at him.
“Yeah, I know I am too, but you're probably redder,” Donghae teases and Hyukjae smiles.
Wanting to restore the natural color of their faces, Hyukjae takes the gloves from Donghae's hands, letting them fall to the floor. Donghae flexes his cold fingers, letting them warm in the air of the room. Hyukjae moves to Donghae's jacket next, pulling down the zipper and sliding it from his arms, letting it slide to the floor as well.
Donghae smiles at these gestures before looking into Hyukjae's eyes directly, noting a hint of something he had seen once before. Swallowing, he takes Hyukjae's gloves and jacket away as well before his still cold hands reach up, slowly removing Hyukjae's glasses from his face.
Hyukjae smiles almost shyly as he looks down, avoiding Donghae's eyes as he unbuttons his boyfriend's jeans.
Donghae tries to keep himself standing and his heart from exploding as he feels Hyukjae sliding his pants down. Sure, he was planning to sleep in his boxers, he just wasn't expecting that Hyukjae would be the one to take his clothes off.
He steps out of his pants once they're pooled at his ankles and freezes as he watches Hyukjae take his own pants off. Donghae sleeps in his boxers often but Hyukjae is always more comfortable in pants. So Donghae stares as Hyukjae steps out of his pants as well and looks to Donghae for approval.
Despite wearing only boxers and t-shirts after coming inside from the cold, the room seems incredibly warm to both of them.
Unsure of what to say, Donghae takes a step towards Hyukjae, letting a hand rest on his waist. Hyukjae nearly shivers from the action although he can't feel the cold fingers through the cloth of his t-shirt.
“Cold?” Donghae manages to whisper.
Hyukjae nods, keeping his eyes on Donghae's face. Donghae edges them closer to the bed, sitting down and slowly pulling Hyukjae down to lie on top of him. Hyukjae smiles and cups hands over the tips of Donghae's reddened ears.
“Your ears are cold,” he mouths slowly.
Donghae stares at Hyukjae's lips, hardly concentrating on the words they're forming. He manages to understand and nods at the statement.
Hyukjae pushes a brief thought of hesitation aside and leans down, taking the tip of Donghae's right ear into his mouth and brushing his tongue over it gently. He hears Donghae's exhale and feels a hand gently twisted in his shirt.
“H-Hyukjae,” Donghae stutters as his eyes flutter closed and Hyukjae nibbles on his ear.
Hyukjae pulls away to look at Donghae and sees something he doesn't expect: fear.
“I'm...” Donghae starts, “I-I'm hungry. I saw some leftovers downstairs, I'm gonna go grab some.”
Before Hyukjae can stop him, Donghae is out the door, quietly running down the stairs towards the kitchen.
Hyukjae sits in Donghae's bed, confused, stunned, and waiting for his boyfriend to come back.
Donghae puts a plate of leftovers in the microwave and leans against the kitchen counter, waiting for his heart rate to calm and his food to heat. He isn't sure what had just happened. Hyukjae, beautiful, gorgeous, amazing, sexy Hyukjae had just been seducing him and... he panicked.
He bites his lip, playing the scene over in his head and gasping when he feels a twitch between his legs.
“Oh my god,” he whispers to himself in a panic, “this is not happening.”
Standing in the middle of his mother's kitchen with an erection was not how he had planned on spending his Christmas Eve.
“Santa?”
Startled, Donghae turns to see a little girl, Claire, standing at the entrance of the kitchen.
“Not. Happening.” Donghae breathes, quickly opening the refrigerator to hide his lower half. “C-Claire?” He stutters. Sweetheart, what are you doing? Go back to bed.”
“I thought you were Santa...” Claire mutters, clearly disappointed that she had found Donghae instead.
“O-oh, well, he doesn't come if there are little girls still awake so you should go to sleep!” Donghae tries with a smile that isn't very convincing.
“I'll only sleep if you tuck me in,” Claire whines and holds her arms up.
Wanting to cry, Donghae tries to think of an excuse, any excuse to get out of this, when he hears footsteps approaching.
“Claire?” A voice asks.
“Donghwa?” Donghae questions, not sure if he should be horrified or relieved.
A sleepy Donghwa enters the kitchen, looking between Claire and Donghae.
“You should be in bed,” he says, reaching for Claire.
“No!” Claire protests. “I want Donghae to tuck me in.”
Donghae is crying on the inside. Telling his brother about his... problem will result in complete humiliation but it is the only way. Just as he's about to open his mouth and tell Donghwa of his situation, another pair of feet are heard coming into the kitchen from the opposite direction, the direction that would give them a clear view of Donghae's problem.
Horrified, Donghae turns to see Hyukjae. Hyukjae stares, looking down briefly before matching the horrified expression on Donghae's face.
Donghwa, oblivious, waves to Hyukjae and then turns to Donghae.
“Come on, take her to bed so she can get some sleep.”
Donghae is about to scream when Hyukjae steps forward, typing something out on his phone and showing it to Donghwa.
“Oh...” Donghwa says. “Well, Claire, will you settle for me and Hyukjae tucking you in?”
Claire sighs, then yawns, then nods. “I guess so,” she mumbles, reaching her hands up for Hyukjae.
Hyukjae smiles and picks the little girl up, following Donghwa out to her room.
With shaky legs, Donghae takes the chance to escape to his room, forgetting about the leftovers in the microwave. Still wanting to cry, he locks himself in his bathroom, taking a cold shower before taking a warm one to heat himself up again. He spends a few minutes putting his clothes back on, breathing and composing himself. After deciding that he's calm enough, he exits the bathroom, almost jumping when he sees Hyukjae staring at him.
Hyukjae's eyes are unreadable and Donghae suddenly remember what had caused all of this. He opens his mouth to say something, anything, but he doesn't have the chance to. The sides of Hyukjae's mouth turn and his eyes crinkle as he falls onto Donghae's bed, bursting into a fit of laughter and clutching his sides.
“Are you laughing at me?” Donghae asks, dumbfounded.
Hyukjae nods through his laughter and rolls on the bed, kicking his legs.
Donghae sighs, trying to maintain a straight face to let Hyukjae know that he isn't happy although he badly wants to laugh as well. Hyukjae finally calms down and breathes, glancing at Donghae.
“I guess I should thank you,” Donghae says. “Whatever you told my brother saved me from humiliation.” He pauses for a moment, scrunching his eyebrows before tilting his head. “What did you tell my brother.”
Hyukjae freezes and his smile fades before he bites his lip hard, clearly trying not to laugh again. He stands up and pulls his phone out, showing Donghae the exact message he had shown Donghae.
“Donghae has a boner.”
Hyukjae loses himself in a fit of laughter again, this time falling on the floor, letting his phone drop as he rolls and cries in silent laughter.
Donghae gasps. “Do you know what you've done?” He asks. “I'll never live that down! He'll tease me forever!”
Hyukjae nods, letting Donghae know that this problem only make this funnier.
Donghae sighs loudly and starts hitting Hyukjae with a pillow, playfully kicking him while he continues to laugh. When Hyukjae doesn't stop, Donghae throws his pillows at him and then proceeds to dump his blankets on top as well.
Hyukjae wiggles rather comfortably under the mass of blankets and continues to giggle to himself.
“You're sleeping on the floor,” Donghae mumbles, laying on his bare bed and crossing his arms.
Hyukjae peeks out of his comfy mess and wiggles until he's on his knees next to Donghae's bed, completely wrapped in a blanket.
Donghae tries not to glance at him but eventually looks and groans.
“You're like an adorable caterpillar all wrapped in a cocoon! Stop it!” He says, making Hyukjae laugh again.
Donghae can't help but smile and sighs as he struggles to wrestle Hyukjae onto his bed. Hyukjae smiles but tilts his head, pointing at the floor, his supposed sleeping place.
“Yeah, well, you have all of my blankets so I guess we'll have to settle our differences and sleep up here,” he says, reaching onto the floor to pile his pillows and blankets back onto the bed.
Hyukjae wiggles again to show his appreciation of this decision and starts to remove himself from his cocoon. They sloppily make the bed together before flopping onto it, exhausted.
“You're a jerk,” Donghae says, “but I love you.”
Hyukjae smiles and turns into his boyfriend, moving his lips against his exposed clavicle to return the feelings with “I love you, too.”
Donghae grins sleepily and cuddles into the messy bed, wrapping his arms around Hyukjae, feeling him breathing deeply in his sleep. He slowly falls asleep as well, knowing that he will sacrifice anything to see Hyukjae that happy again, even if it means an eternity of teasing from his brother.
-
Pairing: Eunhae
Rating: PG-13
Genre: AU, Fluff, Romance.
Summary: Hyukjae has never had an easy life. He has been sheltered, living the only way he knows how. A simple meeting with a cheerful young man named Donghae will change every feeling Hyukjae has ever had.
Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Epilogue |
-
“A Christmas tree?” Donghae asks with a raised eyebrow while Hyukjae gives him a sad look. “You mean you've never had one?”
All it takes is a shake of Hyukjae's head and they're off to find a tree.
Hyukjae's parents left him alone most Christmases. They would go off to meet relatives for Christmas and Hyukjae would stay at home, listening to Christmas carols on the radio and watching as the houses around the neighborhood celebrated with lights and decorations. His house was always bare and up until now, he kept it that way.
Donghae would not stand for that. He always had decorations. His mom decked out the whole house with lights and they always had a tree covered in shiny ornaments.
The fact that Hyukjae was alone at Christmas every year made him angry. This year, Hyukjae would have a perfect Christmas and no one would stop it.
It is late fall, so scarves and gloves are necessary as they look through rows and rows of trees, trying to find one that stands out.
“This one?” Donghae asks, pointing to one.
Hyukjae scrunches his face and shakes his head, pointing to a much larger tree. Donghae laughs. Oh yeah, Hyukjae had a lot of room for a tree.
With the help of Kyuhyun (and Kyuhyun's car), they manage to get the tree inside and upright in the middle of Hyukjae's living room. Donghae takes a deep breath, inhaling the pine scent and he smiles.
“Perfect,” he says. “Now we need to decorate it.”
“Yeahhh, count me out of that part,” Kyuhyun says, buried in a conversation on his phone.
“Who ya textin'?” Donghae asks teasingly, peering over Kyuhyun's shoulder and immediately regretting it. “Oh, ew, gross! I don't need to know where your tongue has been!”
“Your fault for looking!” Kyuhyun counters. “I'm leaving now.”
Kyuhyun leaves in a hurry to meet Sooyoung and Hyukjae sits on the floor by the tree, admiring its branches, unfazed by the commotion behind him.
Donghae smiles and sits behind him, resting his chin on his shoulder.
“Do you like it?” Hyukjae nods. “Wait until you see it covered in lights and decorations.”
Hyukjae smiles and leans back into Donghae, imagining the tall tree on Christmas morning. He jumps up, startled when Donghae's phone begins to ring.
“Hello? Mom? Hi! What? Oh, Hyukjae and I just got a tree. Huh? Yeah. How are you? That's good. How is dad? Tell him I said hi! Wait, what?”
Hyukjae tilts his head like a confused puppy, watching Donghae have a conversation with his phone.
“Christmas with you guys? That would be great! You can meet Hyukjae!” Donghae grins, reaching out to squeeze Hyukjae's hand. “Yeah, I'll tell him about it and get back to you. Bye mom! I love you!”
Donghae hangs up the phone and is met by a blank-faced Hyukjae.
“What would you think about going to spend some time with my family?” Donghae asks, unsure of what the answer will be.
Hyukjae grins and nods, almost bouncing in excitement, but then he frowns, glancing at the tree.
“Oh! We'll still decorate it! Baby, don't worry about that,” Donghae says, pulling Hyukjae closer and blinking when Hyukjae stiffens in his arms. “Hyukjae?”
Hyukjae shakes his head quickly to indicate that nothing is wrong but Donghae notices the blush on his cheeks. He grins.
“Baby?” He says softly. Hyukjae squirms and Donghae laughs. “Do you like me calling you baby?”
Hyukjae quickly shakes his head again before stopping and nodding slowly. Donghae smiles triumphantly and kisses Hyukjae's cheek.
“Don't worry, I won't tease you... too much.”
Donghae laughs as Hyukjae tries to hide himself in the branches of their undecorated Christmas tree.
-
Hyukjae does not get nervous around Donghae anymore. They sleep in the same bed together, share a bathroom together, see each other shirtless every once in a while. Now, however, Hyukjae finds himself nervous and wondering if Donghae's parents will like him.
“How about this?” Sooyoung asks, picking up a basket of assorted soaps.
Hyukjae considers the basket before shaking his head. Sooyoung frowns.
“I'm probably not as good at this as you think I am,” she says. “I don't know what I would do if Kyuhyun wanted me to meet his parents.”
Hyukjae frowns and takes Sooyoung's hand, both as a sign of sympathy for her being there and a thanks. She smiles as they make their way towards another shop.
“You know, you're a much better gay friend than Donghae.”
Hyukjae snorts out a silent laugh and Sooyoung has to cover her mouth to keep from laughing as well. Despite Hyukjae's laugh being silent, it is incredibly contagious.
They make their way past a few more shops, ruling out stuffed animals, candles, and anything that has a smell. They are both losing hope and Sooyoung is complaining about being hungry when Hyukjae glances at an arts and crafts shop. The idea of hand-making a gift hadn't really crossed his mind until then. He suddenly has the perfect idea.
“Let's go have lunch, I'll buy. “
Sooyoung reads the message and jumps with joy as she runs to the nearest food stand while Hyukjae plots the perfect Christmas present.
-
“These are all of the pictures I could find... are you sure you have enough?” Donghae asks, sitting cross-legged on the floor across from his boyfriend.
Hyukjae examines all of the pictures, tilting his head at some and finally nodding to Donghae.
“Okay, well, I'm gonna head to the shelter, you'll text me if you need anything?”
Hyukjae nods again and Donghae smiles. He kisses Hyukjae on the forehead and ruffles his hair before leaving the room, leaving him to work.
Hyukjae sets all of the pictures aside, pushes his glasses up on the bridge of his nose and sets up his workspace. He widens his eyes when he realizes he's short on something. He quickly pulls out his phone to text Donghae.
“Can you bring home some glue?”
-
There is only one day left before the trip to meet Donghae's parents and Hyukjae is finally done. He claps to himself and does a small victory dance as he towers over his project on the floor of his room, unaware that Donghae is watching him from the doorway.
“You really are just... the cutest thing in the world.”
Hyukjae jumps slightly and stops his victory dance at those words. He starts to tidy up the room but is stopped by a pair of arms that pull him into a kiss. He feels himself melt completely, wondering if it is possible for a person to become a pile of goo on the floor from nothing but a kiss. He drops whatever is in his hands in favor of wrapping his arms around Donghae's neck.
Donghae pushes him gently towards the couch until Hyukjae falls into a sitting position and Donghae falls into his lap. They both smile at the sudden action briefly before their lips find each other again.
Hyukjae takes in a quick breath, wishing he could turn it into a moan, a way to tell Donghae that his kisses are perfect and sweet. He lets his hands wander under Donghae's shirt, feeling the man above him shiver. He feels the warm skin of Donghae's back, his toned stomach, slowly making his way to Donghae's chest.
Donghae moans, pressing himself closer to Hyukjae. Just a little more, and maybe...
Donghae's phone begins to ring, breaking them apart suddenly. Donghae whimpers and buries his face in Hyukjae's neck as he answers.
“Hello? Yes mom, we're coming tomorrow. Yes mom, you're going to meet Hyukjae. Yes, he eats meat. Mhm. I'm sure he'd like that. Yes. No. Yes. Mom? Mom. We'll see you tomorrow, okay? I love you, bye!”
Donghae hangs up the phone and feels Hyukjae chuckling beneath him.
“What's so funny?” He asks, still with his face against Hyukjae's neck.
Hyukjae takes the opportunity to lean in and gently nibble on Donghae's ear. Donghae shivers and Hyukjae leaves soft kisses down Donghae's neck, nuzzling a soft spot before biting it gently.
“I... need to go... bathroom,” Donghae stutters, standing up quickly and fixing his shirt before stumbling into the bathroom.
Hyukjae frowns. Then he smiles. His tolerance level is much higher than Donghae's, he notices. He secretly praises himself and continues cleaning up his mess.
He grins as he gingerly picks up the Christmas present he had made for Donghae's family. It is a model of the house Donghae grew up in, the house they would be visiting tomorrow. He managed to do pretty well, considering he had nothing to go off of but a few simple pictures. Still, it was very detailed and Donghae told him that it looked exactly like the house he remembered.
He figured that using his skills as an architect would impress Donghae's parents and make the gift more enjoyable for everyone. He is no longer nervous as he watches Donghae emerge from the bathroom. He is only excited.
-
“Are you ready? Like, really ready? Because if you're not we can totally turn around. You look nervous, maybe we should stop.”
Hyukjae rolls his eyes as Donghae teases him. They're in the backseat of a taxi and the driver seems amused by the one-sided banter.
Hyukjae doesn't mind the teasing, he knows that he will have his revenge soon enough. There will be some baby picture or childhood story that Donghae will scramble to hide and he can laugh as he eats cookies and drinks tea with Donghae's family. Yes, his revenge for hours of taunting would come in the form of Donghae's embarrassment.
As Hyukjae is plotting, he doesn't realize that the car has stopped.
“Hey,” Donghae say softly and Hyukjae turns to see a sincere, warm smile on his face. “We're here.”
The playfulness is gone from the atmosphere and Donghae can feel Hyukjae tense beside him.
“They're going to love you and you know it,” Donghae says with a smile as he pays the taxi driver and thanks him.
They haul their luggage out of the trunk, just a couple of small suitcases to keep them clothed for a week, and they finally make their way to the door. Hyukjae is carefully holding the wrapped model of the house in his free hand as he looks up and smiles. The house is exactly like the model. Big, but not too big, clearly designed to hold a large family. The thought of a home full of family makes Hyukjae giddy with excitement.
Donghae smiles at the sight of his boyfriend examining the details of the house. He reaches forward to ring the doorbell, startling Hyukjae who quickly reaches up to pat his hair down and straighten his glasses.
A rush is heard from inside, the scampering of feet, a small bark from a dog, and then the door opens.
“Donghae!”
A little girl dressed in a pink dress comes barreling out of the door, trying to tackle Donghae. Donghae laughs and picks the little girl up.
“Hey, you! You remember me?” He asks.
“Of course I do! Uncle Donghae!” The little girl exclaims.
Hyukjae watches with a smile until Donghae introduces him.
“Hyukjae, this is Claire. She's my brother's wife's sister's daughter,” he explains without missing a beat. “Claire, this is Hyukjae, my boyfriend.”
“You have a boyfriend?” She asks. “But boys have cooties!” She exclaims and Donghae laughs.
“What about me? I'm a boy,” Donghae says. Claire makes a face.
“You're a special boy,” she claims. “I'm gonna tell mommy you're here!”
Donghae sets the little girl down and she runs inside faster than she had come out.
“She has a brother and a few cousins that you'll get to meet, too,” Donghae says. “I hope you like kids.”
Hyukjae smiles as an answer but both of them know that Hyukjae hadn't had any experience with children.
“Donghae?” A woman's voice makes their heads turn. “Ah, Donghae!”
“Mom!”
Donghae is all smiles as he rushes forward to embrace his mother in a hug. Hyukjae watches and finds their happiness contagious. It's a touching moment to watch and Hyukjae can almost feel the love radiating from the mother and son in front of him.
“Where's dad?” Donghae finally asks when he pulls away.
“Oh, he's out buying a new snow shovel,” she explains. “It should snow before Christmas and- oh, you must be Hyukjae.”
Donghae's mother's voice softens as she looks at Hyukjae. Unsure what to do, Hyukjae smiles and hands the gift to her.
“Oh, what is this?” She asks, looking between them for an answer.
“Hyukjae made the family a gift,” Donghae explains. “He wants you to open it as a meeting gift rather than Christmas gift so we can open it when dad gets back.”
“Gifts can wait,” she says, “I have to give this precious boy a hug first.”
She laughs softly as she hands the gift to Donghae to embrace Hyukjae in a warm hug. She's short, making Hyukjae have to bend a little to hug her properly, but somehow she manages to make Hyukjae feel the love of a mother's hug, and he squeezes her just a little tighter.
Hyukjae is glad to be brought inside from the cold and he smiles warmly as he looks around the house. Lights everywhere, a large tree in the living room, pictures on the walls, a perfect family home at Christmastime.
This is Donghae's home, he thinks. This is where Donghae grew up. He smiles and reaches to grab Donghae's hand, sharing a smile with his boyfriend as they are led into a room where everyone seems to be gathered.
A few happy shouts and laughs are heard as family members recognize Donghae, welcoming him home with hugs and smiles. Everything is informal and warm, a safe and relaxing environment that Hyukjae can feel himself sinking into.
Hyukjae notices a particularly large hug from a man that he recognizes as Donghae's brother. He remembers stories Donghae had shared and knows that they're close and he can't help the smile that crosses his face as he watches them together.
“Everyone, this is my boyfriend, Hyukjae,” Donghae says when he's at Hyukjae's side again.
“Isn't he just the cutest? My son did well,” Donghae's mother says, making a few people in the room chuckle.
Hyukjae is greeted warmly by Donghae's family, his aunts, uncles, cousins, even the young children in the room, and finally his brother along with his wife.
“Donghae has told me quite a bit about you. I'm Donghwa,” Donghae's brother says, extending a handshake to Hyukjae before completing it with a hug.
Hyukjae smiles politely, wishing he could say that Donghae has talked about him as well.
“He said you were an architect?” Donghwa asks.
“He is! And he's made something for us,” Donghae's mother says, setting the box on a table in the middle of the room. She gently pushes the grabby hands of children away and Donghwa's wife reaches out to grab one of the children to hold him still.
Hyukjae smiles at all of the activity on the room and leans against Donghae. Donghae is happy to see Hyukjae so content and he smiles.
“Is that Donghae I see?” A voice asks from the doorway.
Everyone turns to see Donghae's father standing in the doorway, a smile on his face as he walks forward to hug his son.
“Dad! It's good to see you,” Donghae says as he hugs his father, patting him on the back before letting him go. “This is Hyukjae.”
Hyukjae politely shakes Donghae's father's hand and is glad to be greeted with a smile.
“Everyone is here now, can we open the present?” An impatient child says as he squirms on the couch.
“Present?” Donghae's father asks as everyone gathers around the table.
“Hyukjae made it, he worked really hard on it,” Donghae says, smiling at Hyukjae to encourage him.
Hyukjae suddenly feels anxious, watching so many people gather around to see his gift. His mother is the one who carefully unwraps the paper, revealing the model encased in glass, a perfect replica of the house, complete with the tree in the front yard.
There are a few gasps and words of praise around the room, everyone leaning in closer to look at the model.
“You made this?” One of Donghae's uncles asks and Hyukjae nods politely in response.
“As expected, Donghae the perfect boy brings back Hyukjae, the perfect boyfriend,” Donghwa says, making several people in the room laugh.
Hyukjae thinks he can hear Donghwa's wife whispering “not as perfect as you” to her husband and he giggles to himself at the sweet couple.
They spend several hours talking amongst themselves, catching up, getting to know each other. Donghae helps Hyukjae answer as many questions as he can so that Hyukjae doesn't have to type out too many answers. The sun is down and the kids are already in bed when Donghae notices Hyukjae's yawn.
“Are you tired, baby?” Donghae asks quietly enough so that only the two of them can hear.
Hyukjae nods a little, letting Donghae pull him to stand.
“We're gonna head to bed,” Donghae announces. “It's been a long day.”
“Your room is the same as you left it and there are extra blankets if you need them,” Donghae's mother says.
“Thanks mom, good night everyone,” Donghae calls out as he leads Hyukjae out of the room.
Hyukjae waves as he follows Donghae tiredly and Donghae can swear he just heard his mother praising his adorable boyfriend again.
“It really is the same,” Donghae says as they reach the room with their suitcases. “I only stay here for Christmas, usually, but mom doesn't ever come in here.”
Hyukjae nods at the words and drags himself to Donghae's bed, laying down and pretending to pass out. Donghae laughs and lies on top of him.
“Aren't you gonna change into pajamas, sleepy head?”
Hyukjae shakes his head and Donghae sighs before standing up again.
“I'm going to change, don't look.”
Hyukjae quickly pulls a pillow to cover his face and Donghae laughs. He hums to himself as he changes, pulling off his pants and replacing them with comfy pajama pants. He pulls off his shirt, leaving a white undershirt and deciding it's comfortable enough to wear to bed. He yawns as he crawls into bed next to Hyukjae.
“You can look now.”
Hyukjae peeks his head out and stares at Donghae for a while.
“What?” Donghae asks, blinking curiously.
Hyukjae pulls his phone from his pocket to type a message.
“I peeked.”
Donghae looks from the message to Hyukjae's face. Hyukjae is hugging a pillow that hides his cheeks, mouth, and nose, leaving only his amused eyes for Donghae to see.
“You...” Donghae says, moving closer and pulling the pillow out of the way, “are a pervert, aren't you?”
Donghae's face is close and Hyukjae considers him before biting his lip and nodding. Donghae laughs before kissing Hyukjae, letting his arms tug him closer.
“I brought you guys some- oh!”
Hyukjae jumps up at the sound of the voice and Donghae follows.
“Oh, well, not like I didn't know that was going on,” Donghae's mother says before continuing the sentence that had been interrupted. “I brought you guys a few snacks in case you're hungry. Don't forget to brush your teeth. And don't forget to lock the door after I leave.”
“Mom!” Donghae complains but he's laughing by the time she closes the door and sneaks away. “Well, that's never happened before.”
Hyukjae smiles sheepishly before getting up to retrieve their toothbrushes. He wonders as they brush their teeth and as he changes in the bathroom alone, if he's the first person Donghae has ever brought home.
“Have you ever brought anyone else home?” The message is blatant but he doesn't know how else to say it.
Donghae blinks at it as they lie in bed together and then smiles.
“I always come home alone and they wonder when I'm going to bring someone. You're the first,” he promises, tapping Hyukjae's nose.
Hyukjae nips at Donghae's finger in retaliation before cuddling into Donghae's sheets and smiling.
“You're the first and you're perfect and everyone loves you already,” Donghae whispers with a smile in his voice as they both drift off to sleep.
-
The next day is Christmas Eve and the house is buzzing with activity. Kids are chattering about how they're going to catch Santa, parents are plotting ways to sneak presents in without kids noticing, Hyukjae is in the kitchen, impressing everyone with his cooking talents, and Donghae is still asleep in his room.
It is nearing noon but Hyukjae couldn't possibly have woken Donghae when he was sleeping so comfortably in his own bed for the first time in a year. Instead, he sneaked down to the kitchen and helped cook breakfast for the whole family, a task that Donghae's mom was glad to have help with. At one point she had pinched his cheek and gotten flour on it. She had laughed and taken a picture that she said she would keep forever. Hyukjae took a picture of them both together and said the same via text message, resulting in more cheek pinching.
“My son is lucky to have you,” she had said, sincerity in her eyes and voice.
“I'm lucky to have him.” Hyukjae had written.
“You'll stay with him, won't you? Take care of him for us?”
Although all Hyukjae could do was nod, it was a promise that he would not break.
Donghae grumbles as he hears his phone buzzing. Sleepily, he reaches for it and peers at the screen. A picture message from his mom? He opens it, finding an adorable picture of a confused Hyukjae in an apron with flour on his cheek. He finds himself audibly awing at the picture and smiling as he reads the message attached.
“He is most definitely a keeper. If you don't keep him, I will!”
“He's not going anywhere, mom. I'll keep him forever.”
He sends the message and decides it's time to get out of bed and start the day with the man even his mom can't seem to resist.
-
Hyukjae is happily washing dishes while Christmas tunes are played in the kitchen, Donghae's mother and Donghwa's wife singing along. He listens with a smile on his face, occasionally turning to watch them sing and roll dough for Christmas cookies.
He envies their relationship in a small way. Donghwa had married a wonderful girl and here she is, making cookies in the home of her husband with her husband's mother, a woman who adores her. He wonders if he and Donghae were to be together for that long... several Christmases in the future, would he be in this kitchen, baking cookies with Donghae's family?
He nervously brushes the thought from his mind and turns back around to wash a plate when a movement outside catches his eye. He leans close to the window and tilts his head. Snow? Grinning, he dries his hands and turns, tapping the two women on the shoulder and pointing outside.
“Snow?” Donghae's mother questions as she peeks out the window. “Where is Donghae? He loves snow!”
Hyukjae turns just in time to see Donghae hopping into the kitchen rather excitedly, trying to get a boot onto his foot.
“You're right,” Donghae says, “I do love snow. And Hyukjae and I are going to go out and play in it.”
Hyukjae watches his boyfriend with an amused expression, shaking his head playfully at his childishness.
“Actually,” Donghae's mother says, “Hyukjae has chores to keep him busy. It's a good thing you're dressed for the cold weather; I can send you on an errand!”
Donghae stares at his mother, shocked. Hyukjae manages to take a picture of his face without him noticing.
“But mom!”
“No buts, take your brother with you and get going. We need milk and frosting and sprinkles for the cookies.”
“Why can't Donghwa do iiiiiiiit?” Donghae whines as his mother pushes him out of the kitchen.
Hyukjae chuckles to himself and turns to watch the snow from the window. He suddenly realizes that he has been smiling all day, not sparing even a single second for a frown. He continues to smile as the next Christmas song begins to play and he is handed another dish to wash.
-
Donghae grumbles to himself as he gets into the passenger seat of his brother's car.
“What's wrong?” Donghwa asks as they drive, amused by his brother's pouty face.
“I wanted to spend today with Hyukjae,” Donghae mumbles.
“Are you ever going to grow up?” Donghwa asks.
“There's nothing childish about wanting to be with the one that you love.”
“Oh wow when did you get so cheesy?” Donghwa responds as he pretends to throw up.
“I'm not cheesy, I'm just... I really wanted to spend this whole Christmas vacation with him,” Donghae says. “But I guess he's getting a big dose of Christmas with mom right now.”
“Yeah,” Donghwa smiles. He stays quiet for a moment before speaking again. “You're really in love with him, aren't you?”
Donghae turns to his brother, confused by the question.
“I am... but why do you ask?”
“I don't think I've ever seen you this happy, Donghae,” he says. “Not since we were little and didn't know what love was. You've come back every Christmas with an empty heart and now... you're so... bright. Like you're excited about every moment.”
Donghwa seems to struggle with the words to describe his brother and Donghae stares at him.
“I... it's only been a few months, really, but I... you're right. He makes me happier than I think I've ever been. I want to feel like this forever... with him.”
“So cheesy,” Donghwa mumbles but he smiles. “I'm happy for you. I haven't been able to hang around him much but he does kind of just give off these warm vibes. Almost like a puppy. Everyone loves puppies.”
Donghae stares at his brother again.
“My boyfriend is like a puppy?” He asks.
“I guess so, since everyone loves him and thinks he's adorable.”
“You have a point,” Donghae sighs. “Let's just run this errand so I can get back to my adorable puppy.”
Donghwa laughs and drives just a little bit faster.
-
Hyukjae is bundled up in a blanket, staring out the window at the snow as he takes a break with a cup of tea. The world is cold and icy but he's perfectly warm and snug inside, and he smiles at the thought.
“You seem to make my son very happy.”
Hyukjae is startled by the voice and almost spills his tea. He turns to see Donghae's father, a soft smile on his face. Hyukjae smiles back awkwardly, unsure what to do.
“Don't worry,” Donghae's father says, “you don't need to say anything, but I would like you to listen.”
Hyukjae nods, watching the elder man as he looks out the window and begins to speak.
“Donghae has always been a sensitive boy. He was the youngest in our family, but never the inferior. He was always so happy as a child, with the biggest smile you could imagine. When he became an adult... after he moved out, it seemed as if he was always searching for something. I don't think he ever really knew what it was but... he found it in you.”
Hyukjae absorbs the words, thinking over them carefully as the man continues.
“He called us, you know, to tell us he was dating you. He was so excited, describing you, telling us everything until our ears were sore but we were so happy for him. We've been dying to meet you, Hyukjae, and now that we have, we know that you're his other half. He's so happy with you... Hyukjae, will you keep him happy... for us?”
Hyukjae swallows, keeping tears at bay while he watches them fill the eyes of Donghae's father. The man nods in return and smiles before patting Hyukjae on the back and turning to leave the room. Hyukjae watches him and finds himself sniffling slightly. He blames it on the nonexistent cold in the room and pulls his blanket closer.
A door slams open and he jumps again, frowning at the tiny drop of tea that manages to escape from his cup. He begins to lick it from his hand and looks up to find Donghae staring at him, head tilted.
“Why... are you licking your hand?” Donghae asks. “Did you miss me that much?” He grins.
Hyukjae scowls at him and turns away, drinking his tea.
“Or... maybe you really are like a puppy,” Donghae muses aloud, “puppies lick their paws to clean themselves...”
Hyukjae raises an eyebrow and turns to stare at his boyfriend. Donghae blinks at stares back.
“Right, um,” he stutters, “snow. We need to make a snowman. Get dressed.”
Hyukjae, feeling stubborn, sits down in a chair and huddles into himself, holding up his tea before drinking it to let Donghae know that he's not going anywhere until his tea cup is empty. Donghae sits at his feet and begins whining like a puppy. Hyukjae ignores him and sips his tea as slowly as possible.
Pouting in a rather obnoxious way, Donghae runs out of the room for a moment and returns quickly with Hyukjae's winter boots and coat.
Hyukjae glares and shakes his head but Donghae is already lunging at him, pulling his slippers from his feet and forcing the boots onto them.
“Don't fight it!” Donghae yells as Hyukjae fights him. “It's for your own good! Without these, you'll freeze in the snow when I drag you outside!”
Hyukjae is shaking with laughter but still pushing Donghae away. He stops pushing to give himself a moment to breathe and Donghae manages to push a boot onto his foot.
“Success!” Donghae yells, quickly reaching for the other foot.
“Okay, little brother, I think that's enough, leave Hyukjae alone.”
Donghae and Hyukjae both look up to see Donghwa crossing his arms and glaring at his little brother.
Donghae immediately drops Hyukjae's foot.
“Let's not do anything crazy,” Donghae says, holding his hands up as if surrendering. “You're a lot bigger than me now, a fight wouldn't be fair.”
“You're right,” Donghwa says, “which is why you're going down.”
Just as Donghwa is about to pounce on his little brother, Hyukjae moves to stand between them.
“Hyukjae?” Donghae questions, still on the ground with his arms raised.
Hyukjae had only been slightly offended by Donghwa's attempt to protect him when he is perfectly capable of protecting himself. He rolls up his sleeve and puts his arm up towards Donghwa, fist open.
“I think...” Donghwa starts, “your boyfriend wants to arm wrestle me.”
Donghae falls over before standing up and standing next to Hyukjae.
“Arm wrestle?” Donghae questions, visibly thinking before coming to a conclusion. “Ah, is this... to show that you can protect me, Hyukjae?”
Hyukjae smiles at his boyfriend before taking his glasses off and handing them to him. He sits at a table in the living room and waits for his opponent.
“But... Donghwa is really strong...” Donghae says, chewing on his lip. “Are you sure about this?”
“Shut up, Donghae,” Donghwa says, taking a seat across from Hyukjae. “If he's stronger than me then it'll be a good thing. I'll know my little brother is with a guy that can take care of him.”
“I can take care of myself!” Donghae says, sounding much like a child.
Hyukjae and Donghwa both stare at him.
Donghae stares back.
“I'll tell mom you two are bullying me!”
“Still a child,” Donghwa mumbles. “Donghae, just count to three for us. Ready, Hyukjae?”
Hyukjae nods, gripping Donghwa's hand tightly.
Donghae sighs but manages to count to three to start the match. Practically before anyone can blink, Donghwa's hand is pinned to the table by Hyukjae's.
After a moment of confused silence, Donghwa speaks.
“Do that again.”
And so he does. It is easy for Hyukjae, really. He had spent plenty of hours training physically and mentally on his own. Usually he played soccer for exercise but he occasionally found himself at the gym.
“How did I not know you were this strong?” Donghae asks, poking at Hyukjae's arm.
Hyukjae only smiles as he puts his glasses back on.
“Seriously, it's hard to tell just by looking at you,” Donghwa says, poking at his own arm.
Hyukjae glances out the window again while the other two men examine their own arms and then he turns to Donghae. He points to the lone boot on his foot and then gestures outside.
“You mean we can finally go outside?” Donghae asks, picking the other boot off of the floor and handing it to Hyukjae.
Hyukjae nods as he puts the boot on and shrugs into his winter coat.
“I guess that means I'll leave you two alone,” Donghwa says, nodding to Hyukjae before heading into another room filled with the sounds of children playing.
Hyukjae takes a breath and looks at Donghae, smiling because his boyfriend is so happy to be home, with his family, during a snowy Christmas.
Donghae looks at him and grins.
“Come on,” he says. “Let's get out there while it's still snowing.”
-
It takes two snowmen, several failed igloos, and a halfhearted snowball fight to quench Donghae's thirst for snow. All of the snow in the front yard has been touched by Donghae, not a snowflake left unscathed.
Hyukjae, having no idea how to make a proper anything out of snow, learned every snow trick in the book from Donghae within hours. He stands proudly in front of his snowman, patting its cold head, making Donghae laugh.
“Not bad for your first try,” Donghae says, sniffling through his words.
Hyukjae frowns, pointing to Donghae's incredibly red nose. They had spent the entire evening in the snow, losing track of time.
Donghae frowns back and fishes out his phone to look at the time.
“We've been out here for hours,” he says, “it's already ten, everyone is probably asleep!”
Hyukjae wants to laugh but instead he pinches Donghae's red nose before taking his hand and dragging him to the door. It had been too easy to ignore the cold in their fun but it was impossible to be oblivious to the melted snow that had seeped through their clothes.
As quietly as possible, they sneak inside, taking their wet shoes off and heading towards the stairs. Hyukjae nearly trips over his own numb feet, wincing as his foot makes a loud noise as it makes harsh contact with a wooden stair.
Both of them freeze, waiting for the sounds of waking from within the house. After hearing nothing but a light snore, they quickly push their way up the stores, locking themselves in Donghae's room where they both release a sigh of relief and smile at each other.
“You're so red from the cold,” Donghae comments, linking his gloved hands with Hyukjae's.
Hyukjae raises an eyebrow at him.
“Yeah, I know I am too, but you're probably redder,” Donghae teases and Hyukjae smiles.
Wanting to restore the natural color of their faces, Hyukjae takes the gloves from Donghae's hands, letting them fall to the floor. Donghae flexes his cold fingers, letting them warm in the air of the room. Hyukjae moves to Donghae's jacket next, pulling down the zipper and sliding it from his arms, letting it slide to the floor as well.
Donghae smiles at these gestures before looking into Hyukjae's eyes directly, noting a hint of something he had seen once before. Swallowing, he takes Hyukjae's gloves and jacket away as well before his still cold hands reach up, slowly removing Hyukjae's glasses from his face.
Hyukjae smiles almost shyly as he looks down, avoiding Donghae's eyes as he unbuttons his boyfriend's jeans.
Donghae tries to keep himself standing and his heart from exploding as he feels Hyukjae sliding his pants down. Sure, he was planning to sleep in his boxers, he just wasn't expecting that Hyukjae would be the one to take his clothes off.
He steps out of his pants once they're pooled at his ankles and freezes as he watches Hyukjae take his own pants off. Donghae sleeps in his boxers often but Hyukjae is always more comfortable in pants. So Donghae stares as Hyukjae steps out of his pants as well and looks to Donghae for approval.
Despite wearing only boxers and t-shirts after coming inside from the cold, the room seems incredibly warm to both of them.
Unsure of what to say, Donghae takes a step towards Hyukjae, letting a hand rest on his waist. Hyukjae nearly shivers from the action although he can't feel the cold fingers through the cloth of his t-shirt.
“Cold?” Donghae manages to whisper.
Hyukjae nods, keeping his eyes on Donghae's face. Donghae edges them closer to the bed, sitting down and slowly pulling Hyukjae down to lie on top of him. Hyukjae smiles and cups hands over the tips of Donghae's reddened ears.
“Your ears are cold,” he mouths slowly.
Donghae stares at Hyukjae's lips, hardly concentrating on the words they're forming. He manages to understand and nods at the statement.
Hyukjae pushes a brief thought of hesitation aside and leans down, taking the tip of Donghae's right ear into his mouth and brushing his tongue over it gently. He hears Donghae's exhale and feels a hand gently twisted in his shirt.
“H-Hyukjae,” Donghae stutters as his eyes flutter closed and Hyukjae nibbles on his ear.
Hyukjae pulls away to look at Donghae and sees something he doesn't expect: fear.
“I'm...” Donghae starts, “I-I'm hungry. I saw some leftovers downstairs, I'm gonna go grab some.”
Before Hyukjae can stop him, Donghae is out the door, quietly running down the stairs towards the kitchen.
Hyukjae sits in Donghae's bed, confused, stunned, and waiting for his boyfriend to come back.
Donghae puts a plate of leftovers in the microwave and leans against the kitchen counter, waiting for his heart rate to calm and his food to heat. He isn't sure what had just happened. Hyukjae, beautiful, gorgeous, amazing, sexy Hyukjae had just been seducing him and... he panicked.
He bites his lip, playing the scene over in his head and gasping when he feels a twitch between his legs.
“Oh my god,” he whispers to himself in a panic, “this is not happening.”
Standing in the middle of his mother's kitchen with an erection was not how he had planned on spending his Christmas Eve.
“Santa?”
Startled, Donghae turns to see a little girl, Claire, standing at the entrance of the kitchen.
“Not. Happening.” Donghae breathes, quickly opening the refrigerator to hide his lower half. “C-Claire?” He stutters. Sweetheart, what are you doing? Go back to bed.”
“I thought you were Santa...” Claire mutters, clearly disappointed that she had found Donghae instead.
“O-oh, well, he doesn't come if there are little girls still awake so you should go to sleep!” Donghae tries with a smile that isn't very convincing.
“I'll only sleep if you tuck me in,” Claire whines and holds her arms up.
Wanting to cry, Donghae tries to think of an excuse, any excuse to get out of this, when he hears footsteps approaching.
“Claire?” A voice asks.
“Donghwa?” Donghae questions, not sure if he should be horrified or relieved.
A sleepy Donghwa enters the kitchen, looking between Claire and Donghae.
“You should be in bed,” he says, reaching for Claire.
“No!” Claire protests. “I want Donghae to tuck me in.”
Donghae is crying on the inside. Telling his brother about his... problem will result in complete humiliation but it is the only way. Just as he's about to open his mouth and tell Donghwa of his situation, another pair of feet are heard coming into the kitchen from the opposite direction, the direction that would give them a clear view of Donghae's problem.
Horrified, Donghae turns to see Hyukjae. Hyukjae stares, looking down briefly before matching the horrified expression on Donghae's face.
Donghwa, oblivious, waves to Hyukjae and then turns to Donghae.
“Come on, take her to bed so she can get some sleep.”
Donghae is about to scream when Hyukjae steps forward, typing something out on his phone and showing it to Donghwa.
“Oh...” Donghwa says. “Well, Claire, will you settle for me and Hyukjae tucking you in?”
Claire sighs, then yawns, then nods. “I guess so,” she mumbles, reaching her hands up for Hyukjae.
Hyukjae smiles and picks the little girl up, following Donghwa out to her room.
With shaky legs, Donghae takes the chance to escape to his room, forgetting about the leftovers in the microwave. Still wanting to cry, he locks himself in his bathroom, taking a cold shower before taking a warm one to heat himself up again. He spends a few minutes putting his clothes back on, breathing and composing himself. After deciding that he's calm enough, he exits the bathroom, almost jumping when he sees Hyukjae staring at him.
Hyukjae's eyes are unreadable and Donghae suddenly remember what had caused all of this. He opens his mouth to say something, anything, but he doesn't have the chance to. The sides of Hyukjae's mouth turn and his eyes crinkle as he falls onto Donghae's bed, bursting into a fit of laughter and clutching his sides.
“Are you laughing at me?” Donghae asks, dumbfounded.
Hyukjae nods through his laughter and rolls on the bed, kicking his legs.
Donghae sighs, trying to maintain a straight face to let Hyukjae know that he isn't happy although he badly wants to laugh as well. Hyukjae finally calms down and breathes, glancing at Donghae.
“I guess I should thank you,” Donghae says. “Whatever you told my brother saved me from humiliation.” He pauses for a moment, scrunching his eyebrows before tilting his head. “What did you tell my brother.”
Hyukjae freezes and his smile fades before he bites his lip hard, clearly trying not to laugh again. He stands up and pulls his phone out, showing Donghae the exact message he had shown Donghae.
“Donghae has a boner.”
Hyukjae loses himself in a fit of laughter again, this time falling on the floor, letting his phone drop as he rolls and cries in silent laughter.
Donghae gasps. “Do you know what you've done?” He asks. “I'll never live that down! He'll tease me forever!”
Hyukjae nods, letting Donghae know that this problem only make this funnier.
Donghae sighs loudly and starts hitting Hyukjae with a pillow, playfully kicking him while he continues to laugh. When Hyukjae doesn't stop, Donghae throws his pillows at him and then proceeds to dump his blankets on top as well.
Hyukjae wiggles rather comfortably under the mass of blankets and continues to giggle to himself.
“You're sleeping on the floor,” Donghae mumbles, laying on his bare bed and crossing his arms.
Hyukjae peeks out of his comfy mess and wiggles until he's on his knees next to Donghae's bed, completely wrapped in a blanket.
Donghae tries not to glance at him but eventually looks and groans.
“You're like an adorable caterpillar all wrapped in a cocoon! Stop it!” He says, making Hyukjae laugh again.
Donghae can't help but smile and sighs as he struggles to wrestle Hyukjae onto his bed. Hyukjae smiles but tilts his head, pointing at the floor, his supposed sleeping place.
“Yeah, well, you have all of my blankets so I guess we'll have to settle our differences and sleep up here,” he says, reaching onto the floor to pile his pillows and blankets back onto the bed.
Hyukjae wiggles again to show his appreciation of this decision and starts to remove himself from his cocoon. They sloppily make the bed together before flopping onto it, exhausted.
“You're a jerk,” Donghae says, “but I love you.”
Hyukjae smiles and turns into his boyfriend, moving his lips against his exposed clavicle to return the feelings with “I love you, too.”
Donghae grins sleepily and cuddles into the messy bed, wrapping his arms around Hyukjae, feeling him breathing deeply in his sleep. He slowly falls asleep as well, knowing that he will sacrifice anything to see Hyukjae that happy again, even if it means an eternity of teasing from his brother.
-